A Christmas pledge from teen superstar Justin Bieber has raised almost $10,000 to help sick children at Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital.
In November the pint-sized pop star launched the Believe Charity Drive and called on his millions of fans worldwide to donate to 20 charities he'd selected, including New Zealand's Starship Foundation.
The foundation raises millions of dollars each year for the national children's hospital.
Later that month Bieber also announced he'd donate a dollar for every copy of his album Under the Mistletoe sold in New Zealand before December 25 to the charity.
''I am launching the Believe Charity Drive because I know firsthand that if you believe in your dreams, everything is possible,'' Bieber said at the time.
''The Believe Charity Drive directly benefits charities that are making a difference in the world. You can go to [the website] and donate as little as one dollar, or even donate your time, because everything will make a difference.
''Please join me in our quest to raise millions of dollars by the release of my new 2012 album, Believe. I know that with your help we can make a change.''
The foundation said it had received $7852.43 as a result of Bieber's album sales and a further $210.71 in donations from his fans.
''Starship Foundation is so thankful to have the support of U Music and the Justin Bieber Believe Charity Drive for our national children's hospital,'' foundation chief executive Brad Clarke said.
''Funds raised will go towards the rebuild of the level six neuroservices and medical specialties wards which treat some of the most complex cases from all over New Zealand.''
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