Zendaya Gives Back For Her Birthday, Disney Star Launches Inspiring Crowdrise Campaign

Zendaya celebrated her birthday by giving back and launching a crowdrise campaign for three South African brothers who lost their parents to AIDS. The Disney Channel starlet finally turned 19 this past week on September 1st and rather than throwing a lavish party, she switched it up by giving back to those more in need. Coleman visited South African back in July, where she learned a lot of important information about HIV testing at an HIV Counseling and Testing Day.

Organized by the HEAIDS First Things First student health program and the international ProTest HIV Campaign of the Joint United Nations, the KC Undercover actress met three brothers in the overseas country who shared their story about losing their parents to AIDS. Coleman decided to skip the presents and launch the new crowdrise campaign in order to help them get to a safe home and out of their temporary settlement.

“Instead of presents, I want to help three brothers who inspired me beyond words on my recent trip with UNAIDS to South Africa. And I’m asking you, my amazing fans to help me. These three are supporting each other after losing both of their parents in a span of two years. They currently live in a temporary settlement, and with your support, I’m determined to move them into a safe home and hopefully help others just like them. Every dollar you donate will go directly to this cause. I can’t do it alone, but I believe that together we can truly change their lives,” she wrote on her campaign page.

On top of knowing that donors will have contributed to a great cause for these three brothers, the actress also offered an incentive to possibly win a chance for a video chat with her one-on-one for every $10 donated. You can donate to Zendaya’s crowdrise campaign here.