Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris is not only popular as an action superstar, but as a philanthropist as well. Well-loved and famous for his action roles in films such as Hitman, Delta Force, and Missing in Action, Carlos Ray Norris, aka Chuck Norris, is also actively involved in various charitable causes such as youth, children, and veterans’ welfare.

Chuck Norris extends his time and energy to works for charities like Funds for Kids, Veteran’s Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, contributing in the form of donations and fundraising activities.

Being a former member of the United States Air Force stationed in Korea, he served as a spokesperson for the U.S. Veterans Administration in order to popularize the issues that concern hospitalized war veterans such as pensions and health care. In fact, for his patriotism and significant contributions to this cause, he received the “Veteran of the Year” award at the American Veteran Awards in 2001.

Perhaps his most notable philanthropic contribution is his work to develop self-esteem and focus among young people to keep them away from drug-related pressure by way of martial arts training. He established the United Fighting Arts Federation and “KickStart” (formerly “Kick Drugs Out of America”) in 1990. KickStart helps at-risk children shift their focus to martial arts through programs directed towards the middle school and high school population.

In 2005, Chuck Norris founded the World Combat League (WCL), a full contact, team-based martial arts competition, to which a portion of the proceeds from the World Combat League go to Norris’ charity KickStart.

As a world-acclaimed martial artist, Chuck Norris is the owner of a number of martial arts champion titles, like the Professional World Middleweight Champion title that he held for six years (1968 – 1974). He is also the proud owner of the 1969 Triple Crown, a recognition he received for having the most tournament wins.