NY GIANTS DEFENSIVE END MATHIAS KIWANUKA TO HOST THE
NATIONAL ETHNIC COALITION OF ORGANIZATION'S (NECO)
ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE RECEPTION ON
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7th AT METROPOLITAN CLUB IN NYC
Toys To Be Delivered To Children at the
Uganda Heart Institute in Kampala, Uganda Through Gift Of Life International (GOLI)
Mathias Kiwanuka To Deliver Toys To 12-year-old Ugandan Samuel Tebawesa At The Children's Hospital At Montefiore in the Bronx, NY On Tuesday, December 8th
NEW YORK, NY – NY Giants Defensive End Mathias Kiwanuka will host the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) annual Holiday Toy Drive Reception on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 7:00-9:00 p.m.
at the Metropolitan Club, One East 60th St. (at the corner of Fifth Ave.). NBC4 Emmy Award-Winning Sportscaster Bruce Beck will be the Master Of Ceremonies. The toys will be delivered to children at the Uganda Heart Institute in Kampala, Uganda through Gift of Life International (GOLI). Mathias Kiwanuka will also deliver toys to 12 year-old Ugandan Samuel Tebawesa as well as other children at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx, NY on Tuesday, December 8.
The health and welfare of Ugandan children is a cause that is very dear to Mathias Kiwanuka's heart. His grandfather, Benedicto Kiwanuka was elected Uganda's first prime minister in 1961 and assassinated in 1972 by Idi Amin. Mathias Kiwanuka -- whose parents immigrated to Indianapolis from Uganda to escape its political turmoil -- said from his home in New Jersey, "I am very excited to be hosting NECO's Annual Holiday Toy Drive Reception. Through organizations like NECO and GOLI we are saving our children's lives in Uganda and throughout the world."
According to Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of NECO, “NECO is about investing in the power of caring, whereas people from all cultures and walks of life stand together arm in arm to make a real difference in our world. Through shared compassion and philanthropy, NECO will continue to inspire, not just for now, but for future generations who will continue to preserve and build upon the legacy that each of our cultures has contributed everywhere. We are very proud that Mathias Kiwanuka is hosting our Annual Holiday Toy Drive. He is making a difference in these children's lives. He is a Giant in all respects!"
NECO is a major sponsor of GOLI. The mission of GOLI programs around the world is to further the cause of world peace and understanding by facilitating free medical services to children suffering from congenital heart defects and other similar or allied illnesses, regardless of their race, creed, gender, religion or national origin, and who would otherwise lack access to such services.
NECO and GOLI’S most recent global initiative – ‘Our Hearts Are In Uganda’ – concerns Uganda, where there are many children in need of treatment for their heart ailments. Uganda is also the home of GOL’s first child, Grace Agwaru. This program builds upon the work that has been begun by Dr. Craig Sable of the Children’s National Medical Center 6 years ago. Over the past 6 years, nearly 200 children have received life-saving care, and 40 of them have been treated in Uganda. NECO, GOLI and Dr. Sable are now working to establish a sustainable pediatric cardiac surgery program at the Uganda Heart Institute. Just this past May, 36 Ugandan children were operated on at 25 GOL affiliated hospitals in 13 countries. All these efforts will ultimately lead to saving thousands of lives.
NECO through GOLI has brought in 12 year-old Ugandan Samuel Tebawesa, who suffers from life-threatening congenital heart illness, to the United States for open heart surgery. According to Dr. Samuel Weinstein, who is scheduled to perform the surgery on December 3rd at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, “Without this surgery Samuel would surely perish. It is an honor to be working with such special organizations like NECO and GOLI in helping Samuel live a healthy life.” |
