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Matthew McConaughey is well known for his acting skills, but his philanthropic efforts have also been the topic of discussion recently. And in an interview with Town & Country, Matthew McConaughey discussed his feelings toward philanthropy.
The 50-year-old actor has a history of charitable efforts. In 2008, McMcConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, started the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation.
In addition, the actor was previously praised for his generosity when he helped rescue pets stranded by Hurricane Katrina. He also donated 80,000 face masks to coronavirus first-responders.
According to its website, the Just Keep Livin' Foundation's mission is to "empower high school students by providing them with the tools to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future."
The website continues, "In our programs, we encourage students to make positive life choices to improve their physical and mental health through exercise, teamwork, gratitude, nutrition and community service. Participating students have a safe place to enhance their lives with fitness coaches and health experts."
The Just Keep Livin’ Foundation currently has programs in 37 high schools, serving almost 3,000 students in six states plus Washington, DC.
There are four main points of focus in the program: fitness, wellness, nutrition, and service.
McConaughey chose to focus his efforts on students for good reason.
He explained, "I always knew I wanted it to be kids, because I wanted the entire foundation to provide prevention before we needed a cure."
"High school’s the last place you can catch somebody and get them on the right track, before they no longer have to listen to a teacher or parent. If they’re screwing up in high school and do some of the same stuff after they graduate, they may go to jail—or worse," the actor continued.
The actor also has an interesting perspective on what philanthropy does for those you are giving--even going so far as to call it selfish.
"Being able to give back in ways is a selfish endeavor. It feels good to me to see a smile or hear a young person say thank you. That’s called a selfless act? I call it a selfish act," he tells the outlet.
