From Health magazine
As global ambassador for Oxfam International, Sex and the City’s Kristin Davis is a tireless champion for women and children in need. Here, she reveals why her work in Africa gives her hope, what makes her happiest, and the major life change she’s considering.
For six years, Kristin Davis played Park Avenue–posh Charlotte on the HBO hit series, a role she reprises in the new big-screen version. So it’s strange to imagine the Emmy-nominated actress in a sweltering South African village, serving lunch to orphans with AIDS. But, in fact, she recently returned from a trip during which she did just that.
Kristin began supporting Oxfam International, a confederation of aid groups working against poverty and injustice, after the December 2004 tsunami in South Asia. Later, she became a global ambassador, a role she describes as “basically a witness” to share peoples’ stories. She’s a natural fund-raiser, too. After reuniting with her castmates for Sex and the City: The Movie, the actress auctioned a chance to accompany her to the film’s premiere. The winning bidder donated $52,100 to Oxfam.
Here, Kristin shares what she saw in Mozambique, South Africa, and Uganda, why the people she met there—and the generosity of Americans—have given her a greater sense of hope, and how her travels have changed her life forever.
Q. How did you learn about Oxfam International?
A. After the tsunami, I had that helpless feeling you get when something bad happens and you don’t know what to do. I went to a Web site that analyzed how much of each dollar donated actually goes to charities—and Oxfam was at the tippy-top of the list. The thing that struck me is that they try to rebuild in a way they think will be self-sustaining. They don’t want people to end up in a state of poverty because this disaster happened. So I gave money to them.
Q. Why did the tsunami affect you so deeply?
A. Two things: I was brought up in a household where it was assumed that you would do volunteer work. That was a huge gift my parents gave me. My mom used to volunteer for Planned Parenthood, which in South Carolina is a very important and even dangerous thing to do. My parents still go on Habitat for Humanity trips to build houses. But also, I’d been to Bali and Indonesia four or five times, so I think I felt a little more connected because I’d been there.
Next page: How did you become an ambassador?
Comments (29)
I am interested in meeting Kristin Davis for a drink to discus her idea of having a child. There may be chemistry.
Also I ma related to some Davis’s in Ohio.
Sincerely,
Jeff prudden
i love her. bless her heart. our world needs more people like her!
Kristin Davis has been the hottest star on TV since they had the show an it’s wonderful that she does all these efforts for the children in need. If she needs a real down to earth hard working respected man amongst the community all she has to do is get in touch with me. I’m on the same path as her.
That was a heart warming story, I understand what many of the people in that county are going thru because my husband is from a war torren country LIBERA, He has a lot of stories that make’s me cry when he tells them. Therefore I’am glady there are people like Kristin Davis out there who can make a different, Thank You Very Much for this story.
My hat is to this lady for her participation in life. She has made a difference in many peoples lives. I am a recovering alocholic and can understand how her life has been affected, both before and after becoming sober.
hello kristin davis ohio oxfamaerica good i wow u fly county mach much smile u nice u poor black kids nice good ok u kristin davis love poor america ohio kids black love u nice good bye
I had no idea she contributed so much to the world with her charitable efforts. She is an amazing actress and an even more amazing person. I love to read about the good things in which actors participate for a change.
she inspires me to help the others more and more.
I really love you for your excelent talking and a great mind.
It is so refreshing to read about Kristin Davis and the charitable work she does,she is from here Columbia SC and went to high school with my nieces at AC Flora. We are so proud of her!
Sincerely,
Paul
If I may gently point out to the gentleman who would like to meet Kristin Davis for “a drink.” She clearly stated in this article she is a recovering alcoholic and doesn’t drink. An offer to meet for coffee rather than “a drink” would be more appropriate!
I am a friend of Bills, 16 years and wonder why we have not connected ??? :) Looking for you !!!
Monterey,CA
Hat’s off to Healthy Living. Kristin is an articulate woman who has her priorities straight. And a big THANK YOU to her parents for instilling strong charitable and work ethics. We need more public figues of her caliber.
Hat’s off to Healthy Living. Kristin is an articulate woman who has her priorities straight. And a big THANK YOU to her parents for instilling strong charitable and work ethics. We need more public figues of her caliber.
What a delight – the article, the person, the effort, and her contribution. I loved her thoughts on adopting children and not removing them from their grandparents and siblings as sometimes it is best to contribute time and money, which gives them an improved quality of life w/in their own culture – what a gift! Side note: I appreciate Kristin not contributing to gossip regarding her SATC co-workers/friends. She can also be an ambassador to (a greatly needed) Positive Hollywood Image Charity.
I also want to join the cause. If I reach that fame and wealth, I would do what they are doing. But hey, I help in my own way…
Inspired …yes……Motivated…. yes.
My donation will go to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD. Without her recovery from alcoholism, Kristin would not be able to make the movie or volunteer for Oxfam.
Thank you Kristin for being so public and matter-of-fact about your recovery from alcoholism!
Very sweet, an actress that shows that beauty is as adorable on the inside as it is on the outside. I’m guessing a small fortune could be raised for their respective charities if Kristin and Angelina made a movie together.
It is great to see people like Kristin and Angelina and many others like them,take time to be with the less fortunate in this world and actually make a difference.
There are many problems in this world,but they can be solved if other people follow by Kristin’s example of generosity and caring.People in Hollywood are real people that have real feelings and have made a difference.Oxfam and other organizations like them can be found on myspace also if anyone wants to join in the fight against hunger and poverty.Here is one link for oxfam (not my page) on myspace if it can be posted here – http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=48681629
J. Pruden you are an idiot. Did you read any of this. Plus you mention you are related to Davis’s. Ewww, what if you are related to Kristin?
How did this have anything to do with Health???
Hi Kristin. I would like to say that you are a blessing to be working with all of those children of the world , for they are our future. I am youth minister going on five years and I love my job. What you and Angelina do is a Lord sent warm loving blessing.I would love to be able to go to other countrys to help others that really need it and if I could take care of all of the less fortune children in the world I would and share all of the love they deserve. Not saying you would , but it would be nice to have (1) child and and adopt the rest with a heavenly young beautiful lady as your self. May The Lord Bless You Always. Willaim.
up date Health latest information
up date Health latest information I willdo my best to help the child who are needy and ready to work with you
Hi. Thanks for the post. I have quoted it on my There’s More to Kristin Davis than just “Sex & the City” post.
O Man You Did Very Well. The Matter Is So Good.
health
You’re doing a good job with the Oxfam bit. Keep up the good work with the recovery. It’s an everyday struggle. Life will throw you a curveball when you least expect it. I enjoyed the Sex & The City movie. It had funny, sad, & romantic bits.
Hi Kristen,
As an avid SATC fan and college student, the issues of alcohol are always fresh in my mind. TV seems to send us such mixed messages, and it was refreshing to read such a candid and inspiring article. Thank you for being so public and open about your struggle, and also highlighting your positive achievements without using substance. Best wishes for future OxFam endeavors!
Ashley
Thanx fr being Kind and doing Volunteer work.Yr visit to Uganda,S.Africa,Darfur,etc,is a symbol of Appriciation.Thax fr Supporting oxfarm.Iam of the above Address,Male adult,aged 42yrs,Ex.Police officer,married with 4 children,a Roman Catholic.Iam currentily working in Iraq.Neverthless,i need to Fall in love with you.I need to have at least a child or two with you in case yr single.Bye,Dominic.