Natalia Vodianova helps Russian flood victims

Top Russian model and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova flew to her homeland to aid those left homeless by the devastating floods which left 170 people dead.

BY Olivia Bergin | 20 July 2012

Vodianova at the humanitarian aid collection point for flood victims in Krymsk on Prospekt Mira. Photo: Rex Photo: REX

Inconspicuously dressed in a black shirt and skinny jeans, the heartache etched over Natalia Vodianova's face was all too clear to see. Just three days after floods hit the Russian town of Krymsk earlier this month, claiming 170 lives and leaving thousands homeless, Vodianova landed in her native country to lend a helping hand.

Pictures surfaced of the 30-year-old Guerlain model, who is thought to have amassed a personal fortune of £16 million, hauling supplies of bottled water and nappies.

Vodianova at the humanitarian aid collection point for flood victims in Krymsk on Prospekt Mira. Photo: Rex

The British-based mother of three, who grew up in poverty and was discovered selling fruit on a roadside stall, is more than used to helping those from her homeland who are less fortunate. In 2004, she founded the Naked Heart Foundation , a charity dedicated to creating playgrounds in which underprivileged children can play safely.

SEE: Natalia Vodianova for Etam

"Having visited Krymsk, I decided that the best thing The Naked Heart Foundation can do for the kids who survived the tragedy is to give them a safe, colourful and cosy place to play" she writes on the Naked Heart Foundation website .

"If adults are kept busy cleaning up and trying to fix things, children are left to watch them and feel helpless. The Naked Heart Foundation's Children's Play Tent will be a big space where children can draw, paint, play and interact in a safe, comfortable and bright environment."

The new centre is staffed by both professional psychologists and play specialists as well as volunteers, and is expected to stay open for several months.

If you want to make a donation for the project, please visit Natalia's page on JustGiving.com .

Vodianova at the humanitarian aid collection point for flood victims in Krymsk on Prospekt Mira. Photo: Rex