icole Richie is taking her role as mom-to-be very seriously. So much so, she and partner, Joel Madden, have launched The Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation.

While the mission of their foundation is to bring opportunities to children all over the world, their greater goal is to raise awareness on how systemic issues - such as health care, education, and human rights - impact disadvantaged children.

In addition, the foundation was created to offer support to organizations and programs that are dedicated to addressing “underlying causes of suffering and provide sustainable solutions.” Richie and Madden told friends and family about the foundation at their November baby shower, asking them to donate to their new cause instead of giving the expectant couple gifts.

For their first project, they donated 100 "Mom-to-Be" kits to disadvantaged mothers at a surprise baby shower at the Los Angeles Free Clinic.

“We want our child to grow up with the value of sharing and to inspire generosity in others,” said Richie. “We hope our access to the media will help us change focus from the trivialities of our lives to more meaningful issues.” Well said.