Sexy Latin crooner Shakira started something big last Tuesday, but this time it is not about her career. Hand in hand with many other stars, she launched a foundation which aims to help the poor children of Latin America. A notable partner in this venture is the write Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Interesting bedfellows, I should say.

The name of the foundation is Latin America in Solidarity Action, or ALAS – short for its Spanish name. The foundation is to be based in the City of Knowledge which was once a US Army base and is located near the Panama Canal. This area is already home to various academic institutions, non government organizations, and other high tech businesses.

It is interesting and encouraging to hear about news like this. Big names in the entertainment industry have always had the propensity to help others less fortunate than them. Yet a project of this nature closer to home seems to be overlooked sometimes. In this case, it seems that other celebrities have been mesmerized not only by the appeal of Shakira but by her brilliant ideas as well. Other well known names involved in the foundation are Ruben Blades, Juanes, Ricky Martin, the rock group Mana, Aleks Syntek, David Bisbal and Alejandro Sanz.

How do they plan to raise funds for the foundation? Obviously, by using what talent they have. Shakira plans to hold five concerts in 2007 to help raise funds. Five may not seem much but if a lot of people contribute and hold charity concerts of their own then it would amount to something. I don’t know about you, but knowing that my money goes to help others rather than fatten the producer’s pockets makes me feel better.