Radcliffe helps fund gay youth helpline

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- British film star Daniel Radcliffe has made a major donation to support The Trevor Project, a non-profit group that runs a helpline for gay youth.

The organization announced the "Harry Potter" actor's contribution this week, but did not disclose how much it was.

His donation is intended to help fund the group's around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, as well as the organization's national education and advocacy work.

"I am very pleased to begin my support of The Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work," the 20-year-old actor said in a statement. "It's extremely distressing to consider that in 2009, suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it's truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. I deeply hope my support can raise the organization's visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline's highly trained counselors and Trevor's many other resources. It's vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value."

"We're incredibly grateful to Daniel for his truly inspiring and historic generosity and support," said Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer for The Trevor Project. "He is setting a meaningful example for millions of young people around the world by embracing diversity and demonstrating that he cares deeply about the well-being of LGBTQ youth."