Kings Team up With the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to Help Provide Children With Access to Clean Water

SACRAMENTO, CA –Today, the Sacramento Kings have announced a new fundraising and awareness initiative with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in an effort to assist the organization’s mission to help children survive and thrive around the world. Former Kings great and global humanitarian, Vlade Divac, will serve as a spokesperson for the initiative.

President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Caryl Stern, will be on hand at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento for today’s game between the Kings and the Chicago Bulls and will discuss the partnership that will help raise awareness and funds to provide children with clean water and adequate sanitation. Approximately 1,600 children die each day from diseases that are a result of unsafe drinking water, lack of sanitation and poor hygiene. Currently, UNICEF works in more than 100 countries around the world to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities and to promote safe hygiene practices.

“We are excited to be teaming up with the Sacramento Kings to help provide children with safe, clean drinking water,” said Stern. “While great progress has been made, nearly 768 million people are still without access to clean water and 2.5 billion lack improved sanitation facilities. The Kings have a unique ability to make a powerful call to action amongst their fans that can truly make a difference for children.”

Divac, who played for the Kings from 1998 – 2004 and has his number retired with the club, was consistently recognized by his peers throughout his career for his dedication to humanitarian efforts.

“As athletes and pro sports franchises, we have the responsibility to use our platform to affect positive change in the community,” said Divac. “I take it seriously. Vivek takes it seriously. The whole Kings organization lives that. I look forward to working with the Kings and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF on this clean water initiative to get help where it is sorely needed.”

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. In their own market, and consistent with the Kings 3.0 philosophy, the Kings work with organizations in the fields of education, health care and volunteerism, among many other causes.

“UNICEF sets the gold standard in international philanthropy and corporate citizenship", said Chris Granger, President and COO of the Kings. "This initiative typifies our Kings 3.0 narrative. As a professional sports franchise, it is our obligation to utilize what we have to affect positive change in communities. We look forward to working with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and other globally minded organizations."