Paris Hilton Hands Out Cash To The Poor In India

Paris Hilton has handed more than $2,000 (£1,250) in cash to beggars on the streets of India after witnessing the widespread poverty first-hand during a trip to Mumbai.

The hotel heiress and designer has been touring the world to promote her new handbag line and she opened a new store in the city on Sunday (25Sep11).

But Hilton's joy at her Paris Hilton Purses venture has been dampened after driving through shanty towns and seeing the plight of locals on a day-to-day basis.

In a post on her Twitter.com page, the star writes, "India is beautiful, but some parts are very poverty stricken. Broke my heart to see babies sleeping on the streets".

The socialite was so moved by the sight of one struggling mother, she handed the woman a $100 (£62.50) bill - and then decided to give awayall of the cash in her purse, according to Tmz.com.

The experience has inspired Hilton to use her wealth and power to do good - and she's turning to fans online to suggest worthy causes she can donate to.

She tweets, "What are the most credible non-profit charity organizations here in India? After seeing what I've seen, I want to help make a difference".