Hollywood Popular Artists

Apr 24th 2012, 21:47

Ashley Rickards, star of MTV's scripted comedy "Awkward.," has been showing up on the set to film season 2 with a bit of an empty stomach. No, she's not on strike. And no, the lunch ladies at school aren't either. However, 1.4 billion people around the world live on $1.50 a day -- so Ashley is doing it, too, as part of CARE's Live Below The Line Challenge. We caught Ashley when she had some time away from the cameras to ask her about her goal to raise awareness and $1,000 for the cause. Check out our interview after the jump!

Act: Explain this whole "living below the line" idea and the $1.50 amount.

Ashley Rickards: 1.4 billion people around the world live on $1.50 a day for food, transportation, healthcare and a place to live. In order to raise awareness about this troubling statistic, myself and others at CARE have pledged to eat on $1.50 a day (we are only budgeting food, not healthcare, transportation, or a place to live) in order to gain some sort of small perspective into the lives of about a third of the world's population. By spreading the word, we hope to be a major force in changing the world's circumstances for those less fortunate than ourselves.

What made you want to get involved with the campaign?

I got involved with the campaign through CARE. They are an all-encompassing charity organization that works in many aspects of combating poverty and making a difference. When I heard about the Live Below The Line Challenge, I felt it my duty to participate and raise awareness and funds for a better world -- a world where people take care of each other.

What did you spend $1.50 on today?

I bought an apple and a water. I started this challange yesterday so the apple is what I am going to be eating today. It's not easy at all but anything I can do to help, I will do.

How can others get involved?

There are a few ways to get involved in CARE and The Live Below The Line Challenge. We just want the world to understand what so many people have to go through every day to get by and the extreme measures they must take to do so and provide for their family. Just by stepping into their shoes for one week, one day, or just one meal, your eyes will be opened and you can draw attention to an incredibly unknown fact. You can also start your own group online or join mine and spread the word to raise funds by taking action below. Every dollar helps. It starts with one!

Since everyone is going to flock to your fundraising page now (hint, hint) any little secret from the upcoming season of "Awkward." you are willing to share?

Well apparently I'll be looking really hungry in episode seven (the one we are filming now). Also the love triangle continues, in ways nobody would have thought. The plot thickens!

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