Keira donates gown
2006-04-10 12:44
London - The stunning off-the-shoulder Vera Wang gown worn by British film star Keira Knightley at this year's Academy Awards is coming up for auction to help drought victims in East Africa.
Proceeds from the burgundy taffeta silk gown - which will go to the highest bidder on eBay later this month - will help fund Oxfam's relief work in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Tanzania, the development charity said.
"This is such an amazing dress and I am really pleased to be able to donate it to Oxfam," said Knightley, 21, who was nominated for best actress for her starring role in Pride and Prejudice.
"I have seen the TV reports on the horrendous drought in East Africa and I know how desperate things have become, so I am happy to be able to do something to help."
Bidding for the dress - now on display at an Oxfam shop in Notting Hill Gate, west London - begins April 21 and ends April 30.
"Donations like this will help to fund this vital work," said Oxfam's director for East Africa, Paul Smith-Lomas. "We hope the public will get behind this auction so that it is a great success."