NBA star Casspi giving back to Israel
Omri Casspi is spearheading a drive to use the force of his fans to have a positive impact on Israel.
Andrew Sherwood is the Jewish News Sport and Community Editor
NBA Sacramento Kings forward, Omri Casspi is calling on supporters to “show their true colours” and help support Israeli charities, writes Rachel Gross.
The Israeli basketball champion is giving back to his homeland by leading a drive to raise $200,000 for four Israeli charities. The week long fundraising campaign will benefit a diverse range of organisations, each making a unique impact on Israeli society.
Casspi is proud to be an Israeli and sees this fundraising campaign as part of a wider mission to show the best of Israel to the world. The organizations selected are an example of the vibrant philanthropic spirit in Israel. Shalva, the Association for disabled children and their families in Israel, is one of the selected organizations. Omri is enthusiastic about their partnership. “I’m super excited to be part of Shalva and help raise money for kids with disabilities,” he said.
Shalva provides rehabilitative, educational and respite programs for children across the spectrum of disabilities. It also offers practical and emotional support for parents and families of these children. Opening this year is the Shalva National Center which is poised to become a center for excellence in the treatment of disabled children. The 6- floor building with offer everything from sleeping facilities to a café run by students open to the general public.
This is not the first time that Casspi has used his influence to showcase Israel on the international stage. Last year his foundation brought a group of his team mates from the Sacramento Kings to Israel to tour the country and meet the locals in a series of basketball clinics. This latest endeavor is taking his personal efforts one step further by reaching out to his fans to join him in supporting Israel. He appealed for support, “Now more than ever, we can show our true colors as a country and people by helping other.”
To donate to the Omri Casspi Foundation donation drive CLICK HERE:
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