February 14, 2008 – To continue his relief efforts for his native Sudan, Bulls forward Luol Deng announced on Thursday his pledge to donate $50 per basket he makes to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) ninemillion.org campaign which aims to raise money and awareness to allow displaced refugee children to receive an education.
Deng’s donation of $50 per basket (field goals plus free throws made) to the UNHCR’s ninemillion.org will help provide education and schools for refugee children in Southern Sudan where Deng was born. The Bulls forward also challenged Bulls fans to join his lead and donate to ninemillion.org.
To date this season, Deng’s baskets scored would result in a $17,350 donation to the UNHCR’s ninemillion.org. The final contribution will be given at the end of the Bulls 2007.08 season.
In support of Deng’s pledge, CharitaBulls, the Bulls’ non-profit organization, presented the UNHCR’s ninemillion.org campaign with a $10,000 donation to tip-off the fundraising efforts in Southern Sudan.
Bulls Executive Vice President of Business Operations and President of CharitaBulls Steve Schanwald presented the check to Greg Millar, UNHCR Private Sector Fundraising Officer. Deng and seven Southern Sudanese children were on hand for the check presentation which occurred prior to the Bulls tip-off against the Miami Heat.
The contribution from CharitaBulls will reconstruct and equip one classroom in a school that Deng will build with the help of the Bulls and supporters. The school in Southern Sudan will be for refugee children returning to their homes and villages after years of chaos and fighting in the region.
“The $10,000 donation from the Chicago Bulls is a great way to begin Luol’s campaign to help provide education, sport and water for refugee children in Southern Sudan,” said Greg Millar. “I thank the Bulls and Luol on behalf of these children and hope many supporters will join the ninemillion.org campaign. Every basket that Luol scores will make a difference that really counts in the lives and futures of these children.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides protection and assistance to more than 30 million people forced to flee their homes. Since it began its work in 1951, UNHCR has helped more than 50 million refugees and displaced persons successfully restart their lives, earning two Nobel Peace Prizes in the process.
Ninemillion.org is committed to giving refugee youth the chance to learn and play, recognizing that education and sport can improve their lives. The campaign is focused on all aspects of a child's educational needs including school supplies, teacher salaries, recreational programs, nutrition and transportation. Particular emphasis is put on getting girls into the classroom.
For more information or to donate to the UNHCR’s ninemillion.org please click here now.
Bulls EVP of Business Operations Steve Schanwald presented the check to Greg Millar, UNHCR Private Sector Fundraising Officer. Deng and seven Southern Sudanese children were also on hand for the check presentation.
Bulls EVP of Business Operations Steve Schanwald presented the check to Greg Millar, UNHCR Private Sector Fundraising Officer. Deng and seven Southern Sudanese children were also on hand for the check presentation.
