In a special video message, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Marvel Studios’ upcoming film Doctor Strange, announced “Marvel Studios: Hero Acts,” a brand-new charitable initiative focused on bringing help and hope to kids around the world.
In celebration of the campaign’s launch, Marvel fans are invited to post photos to unlock donations for Save the Children that will help provide much-needed learning materials for as many as 123,000 kids in Nepal, Haiti, and the U.S. From now until the end of the year, Marvel Studios will donate five dollars ($5) to Save the Children, up to U.S. $1 million dollars, for every fan that uploads a photo of themselves in their favorite Marvel hero pose.
“After the experience of filming portions of Doctor Strange in Nepal, our team was inspired to give back to the kids there and wanted to establish a larger ongoing program in support of children facing extraordinary circumstances,” said Kevin Feige, producer and President, Marvel Studios. “For our first Marvel Studios: Hero Acts effort, we’re thrilled to team up with Save the Children, an organization with decades of experience improving the lives of children around the world.”
Marvel Studios teamed up with Fotition, a new social change platform, to power the experience on a new website, MarvelStudiosHeroActs.com. There, fans can upload their photos, choose from a selection of custom Marvel-themed overlays, and post their photo directly to the Hero Acts gallery and to their other social channels using the hashtags #marvelstudios #heroacts.
“Save the Children is extremely grateful to be the first nonprofit organization to be part of Marvel Studios: Hero Acts,” said Carolyn Miles, president and CEO, Save the Children. “Even though more children are enrolled in primary school worldwide than ever before, many are struggling to learn and to get a quality education. That is why this collaboration is so valuable. The funds raised through Hero Acts will provide much-needed learning materials in communities where there are few resources, and will boost children’s basic skills to help them succeed in school and in life. The actions taken by Marvel fans will make a meaningful difference for children. ”
Whether visiting children in hospitals, granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, or inspiring kids and families through its films, Marvel Studios: Hero Acts builds on the tradition of lending a hand to children in times of need.