27 Apr 2005

From correspondents in Brasilia SUPERMODEL Naomi Campbell teamed up with Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva today to fight poverty in Brazil - and draw tourists - with a campaign to sell trendy "We love Brazil" T-shirts worldwide. British-born Campbell said the designer shirts would go on sale in airports and shops, with profits going to children's charities in the South American country she calls her second home.

"Anyone who loves Brazil should wear the T-shirt to raise awareness and raise funds," said Campbell, after presenting one to Lula at the presidential palace.

Campbell will act as an ambassador for Brazil's fast-growing tourist industry as well as Lula's plan to reduce wealth inequalities.

US rock star Lenny Kravitz gave Lula an electric guitar last month to raise funds for his campaign to wipe out hunger by 2006 which has run into problems with mismanagement and the sheer scale of poverty in Brazil.

Campbell, who in the past has raised funds for African children, said U2 lead singer Bono and other artists planned to join the We Love Brazil campaign.

"Things are going to change here," said Campbell, who has been a regular visitor to Brazil for the past 13 years.

Source: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,15101384,00.html