Editing Gene Simmons (section)

== Philanthropy ==
Simmons is a known advocate for [[ChildFund International]]'s work. He traveled to [[Zambia]] during his ''Gene Simmons Family Jewels'' show to visit several of his sponsored children, of whom he has more than 140.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.childfund.org/articles/KISS-Icon-Gene-Simmons-Meets-Sponsored-Children/|title=KISS Icon Gene Simmons Brightens Lives of Sponsored Children|work=childfund.org|access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref> Simmons said that the trip "[was] a stark reminder that life doesn't treat everyone the same".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.childfund.org/media/press_releases/ChildFund_Partners_with_Gene_Simmons_Family_Jewels.aspx|title=ChildFund Partners with Gene Simmons Family Jewels|work=childfund.org|access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref>

Simmons's family received the MEND Humanitarian Award for their philanthropic efforts and support for [[Mending Kids International]] at the organization's annual gala on November 9, 2013. The award was presented by [[Mel Gibson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/news/11079-mel-gibson-presents-gene-simmons-with-charity-award|title=Mel Gibson Presents Gene Simmons With Charity Award|work=Look to the Stars|access-date=June 14, 2015|date=November 12, 2013}}</ref> In his acceptance speech, Simmons spoke of his own difficult childhood in Israel in a bullet-riddled house. He recalled his mother's excitement when they received a [[CARE (relief agency)|CARE]] box one day.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mending-kids-international-honors-gene-simmons-shannon-tweed-simmons-nick-simmons-and-sophie-simmons-at-annual-gala-231487311.html|title=Mending Kids International Honors Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Nick Simmons And Sophie... |location=LOS ANGELES|author=Mending Kids International|date=November 11, 2013|work=PR Newswire|access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref>

Simmons helped found "The Children Matter", which is a collaborative initiative with the charity MATTER that fights to give children around the world access to health care.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/06/22/gene-simmons-children-matter/l|title=KISS Legend Gene Simmons' Twin Cities Charitable Connection|author=Minnesota CBS local|date=June 22, 2017|work=minnesota.cbslocal.com|access-date=June 27, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

He is an advocate for public safety during the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus pandemic]], encouraging people to wear face masks and follow [[social distancing|social distance protocols]].<ref>{{cite web|date=December 29, 2020|title=Kiss' Gene Simmons appeals for everyone to wear a face mask|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/kiss-gene-simmons-appeals-for-everyone-to-wear-a-face-mask-2846566|access-date=January 3, 2021|website=[[NME]]|language=en}}</ref>