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Zep's Page shows whole lotta love for poor Rio kids

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 September 2005, 08:54 CDT

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has been made an honorary citizen of Rio de Janeiro for his work with underprivileged kids in the Brazilian city.

Page was presented with the honor at a ceremony on Tuesday at Casa Jimmy (Jimmy's House), a facility set up in 1997 in the Rio district of Santa Teresa with funds from the veteran rocker.

"Jimmy is not a Carioca (Rio resident) or a Brazilian but he has solidarity with Brazil," state legislator Paulo Melo said at the event, where Page was hugged and kissed by children currently in the project.

Run by the British charity Task Brasil, Casa Jimmy offers medical and psychological support for street kids and pregnant teenagers as well as food, clothing and help in job training. More than 300 children have benefited from it.

"The greatest satisfaction is not the decoration. It is knowing that I am able to help someone who needs help," Page said.

Page's interest in the plight of Rio's poor children started in 1994 when he visited the city to promote an album and fighting broke out between street gangs. He then became involved with Task Brasil (Abandoned Street Kids of Brazil Trust).

Page, aged 61, is considered one the greatest rock guitarists of all time and Led Zeppelin were hugely popular before they broke up in 1980, with songs such as "Whole Lotta Love" and "Stairway to Heaven" still classic rock staples.

Source: REUTERS

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