(Credit: Free The Children)
Nelly Furtado made an extra special announcement during the excitement at Free The Children’s WE DAY event held in Toronto on September 27, 2011. She has graciously donated $1,000,000 to Free The Children to help fund new programs supporting girls throughout the Maasai Mara region of Kenya and in the Middle East and North Africa region. A portion of the money will fund a new all-girls boarding secondary school.
Nelly is also encouraging us to get involved as part of her donation is a challenge grant – for every dollar donated, up to $500,000, she will match the donation. So, $1 = $2!
Nelly’s donation was inspired by a trip to Kenya which she took to help launch the art wing of Free The Children’s Kisaruni all-girls secondary school in Kenya. During the trip, Nelly saw first-hand how many of the girl’s in Kenya cannot attend school. As well, Nelly met a very special girl named Susan and her story is documented in CTV’s television special NELLY FURTADO: THE ROAD TO KISARUNI. So, it was fitting, that Free The Children, surprised Nelly on stage – Susan was flown in from Kenya for a special WE DAY appearance. Susan thanked Nelly and said, “Many of my friends in Africa do not go to school. But your gift will end this trend.”
(Susan at the press conference)
To learn more, visit http://www.freethechildren.com/nelly/. Also, stay tuned to our site for more WE DAY scoop!