America’s pop superstar Prince quietly aided Afghan orphans

KABUL (Pajhwok): An American pop superstar, who died last month, quietly fueled tens of thousands of dollars to a charity that has been assisting Afghan orphans over the years.

A celebrated musician, Prince died on April 21 at his Paisley Park home and studio complex outside Mieapolis, where legions of fans paid tributes to him.

But the legendary singer/composer asked Physiotherapy and Rehabilitative Support for Afghanistan (PARSA) -- a respected inteational aid organisation -- to keep his donations under wraps.

“Prince was really invested in orphans,” MaieGustavson, PARSA executive director, said in an interview. “The reason I'm letting it be known is to honour him. And I am no longer swo to secrecy.”

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter over the telephone from Kabul, she said Prince’s support to Afghan orphans came about through his friendship with Betty Tisdale, whose Helping and Loving Orphans (HALO) has offices around the world.

Gustavson said: “Any of us who met Betty fell in love with her. I know that's what happened with Prince. She could call him up and say, ‘I need money for this, three thousand for this, five thousand for this’ and he'd give it to her...”

Over the last six years, Prince secretly transferred thousands of dollars to help rekindle one of PARSA’s signature initiatives: An 85-year-old Afghan Scouting programme whose members and mentors are all orphans.

Prince had donated an initial $15,000 or so starting six years agoand contributed another $6,000 every year until his death. PARSA staff and volunteers have helped refurbish dozens of orphanages across the country.

PAN Monitor/mud