Disclaimer: This Inside South Florida segment is sponsored by World Vision. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and does not reflect the same of WSFL-TV.
Actor Kristoffer Polaha is using his platform to shine a light on World Vision as the organization marks World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19.
Polaha, who has served as a World Vision ambassador since 2020, said his involvement with the international Christian humanitarian organization began after seeing others he admired connected to its mission.
"I got involved in World Vision because of a video. I saw Bono from YouTube doing something involving them, and then I'd worked with Meghan Markle and I saw pictures of her on a mission with World Vision," Polaha said.
In 2019, Polaha participated in the organization's 6K water run and raised money through his social media following on Facebook and Instagram. The following year, he was asked to become an ambassador.
"I joined World Vision in 2020 and have been very, very happy ever since," Polaha said.
Among his contributions is a bracelet he and his wife designed together — handwoven fabric bracelets made by women in India — available in the World Vision gift catalog and online at worldvision.org.
Polaha described the organization's work as focused on reaching the most vulnerable communities worldwide.
"World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian organization that rushes in when there's weather, wreckage and worry frankly, and they rush into places where it's hardest to be a child," Polaha said.
He said the organization delivers fresh water, food, crisis relief, supplies, books, and community support to areas others are reluctant to enter.
Polaha also discussed his upcoming television project. "American Hostage" is a new series produced by and starring Jon Hamm, alongside Giovanni Ribisi and Palau. Ribisi plays Tony Curtis, a man who held Dick Hall hostage at gunpoint for 63 hours before calling a local radio station, which broadcast the entire hostage takeover live on air.
The series was written by Sean Ryan and Eileen Myers, known for "The Secret Agent" and "The Shield," and debuted Sept. 20 on MGM+.
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