FOOTBALLING legend CRISTIANO RONALDO has become the global face of Save the Children’s worldwide campaign to prevent the needless annual deaths of nearly seven million children under the age of five from preventable illnesses like measles and diarrhoea.
Unveiled as an Ambassador for Save the Children’s EVERYONE New Born and Child Survival Campaign during this week’s third annual Globe Soccer event in Dubai, Ronaldo took time out to host the “Champion for Children Initiative” charity auction event on December 28-29, which raised 37,000 Euros to combat infant mortality.
Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow footballing stars Del Piero, Messi, Ibrahimovic, Totti, Ronaldo, Casillas, and Lavezzi all donated signed football shirts in support of the auction and sent a video message to help promote the event.
Ronaldo said: “I’m so proud to support Save the Children. I’m delighted at the funds raised during tonight’s auction and at the support of so many players from across so many different world class teams in making it such a success. This is the most important thing of tonight. I hope it’ll go a long way in stopping needless child deaths.”
Of all the funds raised at the auction, 65% went to Save the Children’s EVERYONE New Born and Child Survival Campaign in Egypt, specifically funding child and maternal health in four villages and a slum in the country, 25% went to the Red Crescent and 10% went to the Autism Charity.
Justin Forsyth, CEO Save the Children said, “Child mortality is a major global issue with over seven million children dying before their fifth birthday every year. That’s why its incredible to have a figurehead like Cristiano Ronaldo at the helm of Save the Children’s Global EVERYONE Newborn and Child Survival Campaign. With Ronaldo’s help we can raise awareness of the millions of children’s lives cut short before they’ve really begun and continue to press for action to help curb their needless deaths from preventable illness. From his first day as Ambassador for our charity, he has already raised funds that will help us ensure that 7,000 children, and over 36,000 adults in Egypt have access to health and secure livelihoods.”
England football manager Fabio Capello, Secretary General of UEFA, Gianni Infantino, Chairmen of FC Barcelona (Sandro Rosell) and Porto (Jorge Pinto da Costa), the Directors of Arsenal and former directors of Manchester United and Chelsea as well as a host of well-known footballing personalities also attended the star-studded event in Dubai. Some impressive trophies were also on display at the auction including the FIFA World Cup from champions Spain, the Club World Cup from champions Barcelona as well as the Champions League trophy, and the Europa League trophy.
The Football Festival in Dubai is part of the 6th Dubai Sports Conference organised by the Dubai Sports Council. The third annual Globe Soccer event was organised by BC Bendoni, with AC Milan, Juventus and Paris Saint Germaine all in Dubai to take part in what has become a huge event on the football calendar.
* GWS supports all charities worldwide which work for the good of children.
