Cricket News
AB De Villiers joins hands with MAD to support underprivileged children in India
During the initial stage of his volunteering, AB de Villiers will mentor two beneficiaries.
Former South African star cricketer AB De Villiers has collaborated with Make a Difference (MAD), a leading Indian NGO for underprivileged children, to help poor children get stable career opportunities.
De Villiers, who has captained the South African Cricket team in all three formats and represented the Bangalore franchise in the Indian T20 League, has signed up to volunteer his time for MAD. The NGO is working with children who need care and protection in India and has developed a prosperity model working with children from the age of 10 up until they turn 28 and settle down in life with a stable income.
Commenting on his association, de Villiers said, “India has been incredibly kind to me over the years, and I am always looking for ways to give something back. I am happy to be associated with MAD and will mentor two young people supported by the team. The NGO offers consistent support to children born into extremely difficult circumstances until they break the cycle of poverty. Their work is incredible.”
During the initial stage of his volunteering, de Villiers will mentor two beneficiaries over the next six months – 18-year-old Ayan from Lucknow, who has just finished his schooling and wants to play cricket at the under-19 level and possibly for India, and Anitha, who is 21 years old and studying journalism in Bangalore.
Talking about the process, Jithin Nedumala, co-founder and CEO, MAD said, “The uniqueness of our model lies in its being volunteer-driven and we are simply delighted at having a global sporting icon like AB de Villiers supporting us. Mr. 360, as he is fondly known in India, and his support for our organisation will further strengthen our resolve to help children in need of care and protection.”
De Villiers shares a good relationship with India and its cricketers, thanks to the Indian T20 League. He has been involved in many philanthropy work over the years. He even put his batting gear for auction during an Instagram live with Virat Kohli to help the needy during the Covid-19 pandemic.
