THE UN:
A few months back I read about how Bill Gates is directing the Gates Foundation to help eradicate disease, and one of the ones the Foundation is focusing on is malaria, a scourge in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria is easily prevented through the use of bug netsand can be treated with drugs. This is not uncommon of African (and other third-world) diseases. Prevention is possible, treatments known, yet the continent remains dark because of a lack of resources and education. With malaria, it seems, the deficiency is entirely in resources.
Well, not anymore.
This past week's edition Sports Illustrated ran a column by Rick Reilly that I was privileged enough to read. It discusses and illuminates the problem to what Reilly assumes is an audience largely ignorant of the disease written in Reilly sports-witty prose. It was brilliant, because it opened the door to real change. Want to save a life? Want to rid the world of one of the worst diseases ever? Want to feel good about yourself? Make a donation. Poor? Donate a dollar. A net only costs $5. It's ensured to immediately benefit because Ted Turner has paid the UN Foundation's administration costs. Hell, its backed by the UN.
Knowing guaranteed benefits come so rarely, I donated $20. I met Reilly's challenge. And now I challenge you. This isn't Antonio Banderas asking you to adopt a child. This is me asking you to give any amount you want once. Need more? Here's the confirmation letter:
Dear Matthew,
Thank you for your generous gift in the amount of $20.00 to the United Nations Foundation in support of The UN Foundation Malaria Fund.
It’s possible to prevent and control malaria through simple and effective tools including long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets. In 2005, the UN Foundation Malaria Fund helped increase the distribution of these lifesaving bed nets in six African countries: Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, and Tanzania.
Your support will help expand distribution in 2006 to six more African countries – Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone – as well as to Indonesia.
We hope you'll continue to visit www.unfoundation.org for updates on the work of the UN Foundation and our partners.
Thank you once again for your support – together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need us most.
Sincerely,
Ted Turner
Chairman
United Nations Foundation
I'll never know if you don't. You'll always remember if you do.