Ben Affleck started his charity as an example to his children.

'The Town' star has daughters Violet, six and Seraphina, three, as well as a third child on the way with wife Jennifer Garner, and says his young ones motivated him to start the Eastern Congo Initiative.

He told People Magazine: "I got to a point in my life where I felt like I had been very fortunate.

"And I wanted to do something more with my life than just make movies and try to make money.

"I wanted to do something that was important to me in other ways and would serve as an example to my kids."

Ben has recently returned from his eighth trip to the war torn Congo region to work with his charity, supporting local Congolese groups in rebuilding the region, from aiding former child soldiers to supplying health care to vulnerable citizens.

He added: "The people there are working as hard as they can to make their lives better. And that's inspiring."

Ben, 39, is also keen to pass on his message to his children, and points out Africa on a map to them, to make them aware of where it is he goes.

He said: "I tell them it's important to be involved in the world in way that help others and not just yourself."