Seattle Sounders launched a six-week fundraising campaign to raise money for malaria prevention in Africa, starting May 1. Sounders FC owner Drew Carey and midfielder Sanna Nyassi are serving as honorary co-chairs of the fundraiser that will run until June 10th. Teaming up with the United Nations Foundation, Nothing But Nets, a global grassroots campaign, the Sounders are hoping to help prevent malaria in Africa.
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Insecticide-treated bed nets are long lasting and an effective way to prevent the spread of malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. A $10 donation purchases a net for a family and includes delivery and directions on its use. One net provides protection for a family of four for up to five years. Sounders fans who donate $30 or more will receive a Drew Carey bobblehead.
The fight against the malaria hits home for Nyassi, a native of Gambia, who contracted the deadly disease when he was 16 years old. Lucky to have survived, Nyassi and Carey were eager to be involved in the campaign.
“I was alarmed to learn that malaria is a leading killer of children in Africa and even more surprised to learn I know someone who had been diagnosed with the disease,” said Carey. “So it was easy for me to say yes when I was approached about doing a bobblehead to help raise money and awareness to combat this disease.”
With the upcoming World Cup taking place in South Africa, Nothing But Nets and the Sounders are hoping to raise awareness of the disease as well over the next six weeks. For more information on the campaign and how to donate, visit the Sounders FC web site.
Reach Andi Williamson at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
