Opinion: Bieber deserves credit for charity work

By Joshua Madden
A&E Editor

Justin Bieber is someone I will rarely take the opportunity to praise — mainly because I have an extremely large crush on Selena Gomez and so I’m more than a bit jealous of him — but his consistent charity work is something that shows a maturity beyond his actual age.

For those of you who haven’t heard, Bieber flew 6-year-old Avalanna Routh, who has a rare type of incurable cancer, out to New York City along with her family to spend the day with him.

“That was one of the best things I have ever done,” Bieber tweeted. “She was AWESOME. Feeling really inspired right now.”

It was almost like something off of “The Voice” or a Steven Spielberg movie in terms of how much it pulls at the heartstrings, but it’s not the only charity work Bieber has done.

Bieber has previously brought attention to organ donation through his Twitter account, posting about the issue after a fan who needed a lung transplant sent him a message. According to an article on mtv.com, “in the days since the online correspondence, the Ontario-based Trillium Gift of Life Network has seen donations skyrocket to more than 1,200 people, four times the amount the network usually receives.”

He has worked with countless charity organizations. According to looktothestars.org, Bieber has worked with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Cure Duchenne, Give Back Hollywood Foundation, Grammy Foundation, It Gets Better Project, Jumpstart, New Look Foundation, Pencils of Promise and the Red Cross.

Unlike Tyler, the Creator of Odd Future, I still wouldn’t say that I particularly like his music, but I can respect the depth of his charity work.

Bieber, I will probably always be jealous of you because of Selena, but I can say that I respect you. Keep up the good work.