The Washington Wizards and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF are teaming up to help raise funds for the smallest survivors of the recent tsunami in South Asia. Beginning at Tuesday’s Wizards game and online at WashingtonWizards.com, fans may purchase “Tsunami Relief Bands,” for a minimum $2 donation, with all donations collected going to UNICEF’s relief efforts. As of January 10th, your generosity has helped the Wizards raise over $30,000.
“The tragedy in South Asia is beyond description,” said Abe Pollin, Chairman of Washington Sports and Entertainment and former chairman of the Washington DC Advisory Council for UNICEF. “While there are countless victims during tragedies like this, children specifically are at extreme risk. We’re asking our players, coaches, fans, and employees to join together and to raise funds for the children who have been devastated by this disaster.”
UNICEF has estimated that children account for more than one-third of tsunami deaths and that there are an estimated 1.5 million affected children in South Asia, many of which have been orphaned or separated from their families and are in critical need of basic care and support. UNICEF’s relief plans give high priority to finding children who’ve lost their families, identifying them, and reuniting them with their extended families and communities. UNICEF is involved in efforts to register and care for unaccompanied children in every country. In Sri Lanka, UNICEF is supporting government and local communities to assess the number and whereabouts of unaccompanied children. Although figures are not yet available, UNICEF staff in Colombo reported as of late Thursday that there were more reports of parents in search of children than children who have been found to be alone.
Fans can purchase their wrist bands by downloading a printable order form (PDF) or at a donation table on the concourse of MCI Center during Wizards games.
About UNICEF
Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children around the world through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. To make a donation or learn more about UNICEF please call 1-800-4UNICEF or go to www.unicefusa.org.
