Telethon for Katrina victims

A one-hour telethon has been aired across six major US television networks to raise funds for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

17:54 10 September 2005

A one-hour telethon has been aired across six major US television networks to raise funds for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Viewers in almost 100 countries were able to tune into the event, which saw a number of artists including U2, Neil Young, Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow performing at TV studios in Toronto, Los Angeles and New York.

Opening the telethon, Randy Newman sang his song Louisiana 1927, about a previous hurricane that hit the same area devastated by Katrina.

A number of Hollywood stars also took part in the programme, including actress Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston and Ellen DeGeneres.

Making a direct appeal for funds to help victims of the hurricane, Friends star Aniston said: "All across the Gulf coast some babies are still separated from their parents."

"These children will need a life time of support - support that you and
I can begin to provide right now. So please help," she asked.

Actors Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman and Ray Romano also contributed to the programme.

Oscar winning star Morgan said that watching the "brutal defacement of our Gulf coast" had been "difficult to endure" and asked viewers to donate generously to the relief effort.

Funds raised by the Shelter from the Storm telethon will go to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Commentators say that mindful of last week's New York benefit concert, in which rapper West caused controversy by accusing President Bush of not caring about black people, the latest event steered clear of politics and focussed on fundraising.