Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as an ambassador for Save the Children.
On his first day as a global ambassador, Ronaldo presented a charity auction in aid of the charity’s newborn and child survival campaign in Egypt.
“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,” he said. “This is the most important thing of tonight. Hope it’ll go a long way in stopping needless child deaths.”
The auction raised enough money to help Save the Children reach 7,000 children and over 36,000 adults in Egypt with access to healthcare and secure livelihoods so that those families can have a chance at a brighter future.
“Child mortality is a major global issue with over seven million children dying before their fifth birthday every year,” said Justin Forsyth, CEO Save the Children. "That’s why it’s 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.”
Along with Ronaldo, a host of stars including Alessandro Del Piero, Leo Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Francesco Totti, Ronaldo, Iker Casillas and Ezequiel Lavezzi all donated signed shirts and sent a video message to help promote the auction.
In a football first, the auction was decorated with all the top football trophies, including the FIFA World Cup, the Club World Cup, the Champions League trophy, and the Europa League trophy.
Fabio Capello, manager of the UK team; Gianni Infantino, the Secretary General of UEFA; the Directors of Arsenal and the former directors of Manchester United and Chelsea; and other well-known football personalities also took part.
Source: Save the Children
