Here’s a great example of using fame for good. For his 17th birthday (March 1), teen pop star Justin Bieber asked his fans to donate money to Charity:Water, an organization that provides clean drinking water for impoverished countries.

He wrote on the charity’s Web site: “This year, I really want my birthday to be all about helping others. Instead of asking for gifts, I’m asking friends, family and fans to consider donating $17 for my 17th birthday to help make a change.”

As of today, fans raised more than $45,000, helping the total funds raised for the organization to tip over the $7 million mark. Visit the donation site.

Bieber also teamed up with TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres for a good cause. A lock from his famous haircut is up for auction on Ellen’s eBay page with proceeds going towards The Gentle Barn Foundation, an organization that provides refuge for abused animals. The auction lasts until tomorrow, so there’s still time to bid.

For More:

Justin Bieber: The Pizza Prayer
Tween Evangelist?
The Justin Bieber Bible Study