Annie Lennox Launches Auction To Aid Women Affected By Covid-19
Fans can bid on personalized videos and items from Sting, Taylor Swift and Jessie Ware, in support of The Circle’s Women and Girls Solidarity Fund.
Singer, songwriter and activist Annie Lennox has enlisted a variety of fellow musicians – including Taylor Swift, Sting, Jessie J and Jessie Ware – to donate “personalised video performances and possessions” for an online auction benefitting marginalised women and girls who have been impacted by COVID-19. All funds will be distributed globally through Lennox’s non-profit organization, The Circle.
Running through 10 July, The Circle Music Auction launched yesterday via the Charity Stars platform and includes a variety of personalised video performances by the likes of Sting, Annie Lennox, Hozier, Emeli Sandé, Jessie J, Yola, Anoushka Shankar and Jessie Ware. Fans can also bid on a virtual afternoon tea with soul singer and BBC Sound of 2020 winner Celeste, as well as physical items, such as a signed acoustic guitar from Taylor Swift and an Alberta Ferreti silk dress worn by Lennox.
Fans can also purchase tickets for a sweepstakes competition, beginning at just $10 apiece. The sweepstakes will end on 31 July. All funds raised from the auction will support The Circle’s global Women and Girls Solidarity Fund, offering immediate needs including food and hygiene packages, access to safe refuges and legal aid packages.
Per The Circle’s website “The emergency appeal is supporting The Circle’s current and expanding portfolio of project partners which particularly focus on women and girls in Asia and Africa who are affected by rising domestic violence and workers in the garment industry faced with total loss of income”.
In an official statement, Lennox said, “The crisis for thousands of women living in poverty is acute. Many no longer have any income, are suffering domestic violence and have nowhere to turn. I am delighted that such incredible musicians are stepping up to join me and offer support.”
Raakhi Shah, CEO of The Circle, added, “The COVID pandemic has turned the world upside down and recent events have rightly seen an outpouring of support for marginalised communities. The Circle stands in solidarity. It has long been there for the world’s most vulnerable women and girls and we continue to provide support at a time of great urgency with the launch of The Circle Music Auction.”
Visit The Circle Music Auction’s website for more details.
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