HE’S A BELIEBER IN CHARITY

Justin Bieber is ready to give this holiday season.

The pop superstar will kick off his Believe Charity Drive by donating a portion of the proceeds from his new Island Def Jam album, Under the Mistletoe, which hits retail today, to charity. In addition, he is calling on fans to contribute to seven specific charities, launching an ambitious effort to amass millions of dollars in total donations.

“I am launching the Believe Charity Drive because I know firsthand that if you believe in your dreams, everything is possible,” the young superstar explains. “I am kicking off the campaign with my holiday album, Under the Mistletoe. With every album you purchase, I will give a portion of the proceeds to charity. The Believe Charity Drive directly benefits charities that are making a difference in the world.”

Bieber is urging his fans to go to www.justinbiebermusic.com and donate as little as one dollar, or even just their time, to the cause of their choice.

The charities to benefit are as follows: Pencils of Promise (www.pencilsofpromise.org); Project Medishare for Haiti (www.projectmedishare.org); City of Hope (www.cityofhope.org); Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org and www.worldwish.org); Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org); Musicians On Call (www.musiciansoncall.org); and the Grammy Foundation (www.grammyintheschools.com).

Bieber chose these organizations for their emphasis on education, youth wellbeing and, of course, music. Contributions will also be made to additional localized charities in certain international markets.

To handle the increased online traffic, Bieber is simultaneously launching his redesigned website (www.justinbiebermusic.com), built by interactive firm AgencyNet (www.agencynet.com). The upgraded site will serve as the locus for the Believe Charity Drive, which is powered by the online fundraising platform StayClassy (www.stayclassy.org) and can be accessed directly at www.justinbiebermusic.com/believecharity.