NICOLE RICHIE - RICHIE LAUNCHES CHARITY FOR KIDS

RICHIE LAUNCHES CHARITY FOR KIDS

Reality television star Nicole Richie has opened a charity for children in Los Angeles.

People magazine reports that The Simple Life star, who is expecting a baby with boyfriend Joel Madden, gave away close to $200,000 (£100,000) in gifts to 100 pregnant mothers during a surprise baby shower at a clinic in the city.

Richie and her partner later told the magazine about the Richie Madden Children's Foundation which aims to help disadvantaged children in the US and around the world.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony to launch the charity, the celebrity heiress said: "We grew up in Los Angeles and we want our child to be a part of the community, and to know that there's a responsibility to help the community."

"We named it the Richie Madden Children's Foundation because we each have families and our families are close, and our family is involved," she added.

Speaking about the organisation, Madden said: "We're lucky that we have families that get along and love each other. I think it's great that our child will grow up as a part of that family.

"Sometimes people don't want to believe that me and Nicole are just a young couple having a baby and we're really excited. We don't really get to share our lives with people. It's nice to connect with people on a real level."

The couple gave away cribs, toys and other products for young children during the event, adding they would have similar toys in their own nursery.