WTT joins sports community in support for Haiti relief 

Published January 15, 2010
By Staff

World TeamTennis is donating hundreds of clothing items for children impacted by the earthquake in Haiti to K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations), a global charity that focuses on the needs of children and their families.  While the immediate call from relief organizations is for funds to support rescue efforts and emergency medical treatment in Haiti, a number of charities such as K.I.D.S. will also provide a “second wave” of support to displaced children and their families.

“At this point, everything helps,” said WTT CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss.  “Clothing, money, volunteers – whatever you can give will make a difference.  I’m sure the tennis community will reach out in many ways, from individual players spreading the word about relief efforts to support from manufacturers and organizations.  We just want to help get the word out and encourage everyone to get involved in whatever way they can.”

A number of athletes, including Venus Williams who plays for the Philadelphia Freedoms in the WTT Pro League, have issued a call for fans to support relief organizations.  WTT veteran Anna Kournikova of the St. Louis Aces, who visited Haiti on a charity trip last year, posted a blog on her website asking fans to support humanitarian relief efforts.  WTT has set up a web page at www.WTT.com/HAITI with direct links to donate to a number of charities providing relief to Haiti.  Links are also posted on WTT’s Twitter and Facebook pages. 

K.I.D.S. is a global charity of leading retailers, manufacturers, and licensors of children’s and youth products, in partnership with major foundations, committed to helping improve the lives of children and their families who are ill, living in poverty, or are the victims of natural disasters.  Kids in Distressed Situations has worked in Haiti since 1995, maintaining a constant presence, primarily in the capital city of Port-au-Prince and the Central Plateau region, providing apparel, shoes, and books to vulnerable children.  For more information on K.I.D.S., visit www.kidsdonations.org.