SEATTLE, Washington, January 3rd, 2019 — One Day’s Wages (ODW), an international nonprofit fighting extreme global poverty, is partnering with Atlanta Hawks player Jeremy Lin to empower vulnerable children. On January 26, 2019, the Portland Trail Blazers will host the Atlanta Hawks where Lin will donate his entire earnings of $167,908.00from that game to ODW’s work empowering vulnerable children around the globe. Additionally, Jeremy has pledged $100 for every assist through the entire 2018-19 NBA season. This is his third year donating his game’s wage to ODW. Lin has personally donated more than $450,000 to ODW empowering girls and vulnerable children globally.
“I believe it’s important to raise awareness about social justice issues that have been swept under the rug,” said Lin. “As athletes, we focus so much of our attention on what we do on the court every day, but ultimately there are much more important things going on around us. Poverty disproportionately affects children in heartbreaking ways and many of us are in a position where we can try to help make that easier, even if in a small way. Every child deserves the chance to pursue their dreams. This is why I’m coming alongside One Day’s Wages, a movement to alleviate extreme global poverty, for the third year in a row.”
In 2016, Lin first pledged to donate his “one game’s wage”to ODW and launch this partnership empowering girls around the world. After that season,Lin and his foundation’s board traveled with ODW founder Eugene Cho to Thailandto learn about the challenges and complexities of human trafficking, education, and vulnerable children. During the 2017-2018 season, he was committed to using his season-ending injury to inspire and come alongside even more people. He used his time in physical rehabto serve a purpose outside of himself by continuing to raise money for girls’ empowerment. His passion to make a difference, both on and off the court, is contagious. ODW is excited to continue their partnership with Lin as he donates his one game’s wage on January 26th. Since 2016, they have raised over $470,000 through Lin’s campaign and are hoping even more people join him this season.
Lin is joining One Day’s Wagesin their work to impact vulnerable children around the world. ODW is a grassroots movement of people, stories, and actions to alleviate extreme global poverty. Rather than reinvent the wheel, ODW works with carefully vetted partners in the field to empower local communities throughout the world to end extreme poverty. They take a holistic approach to ending poverty by partnering across several issues that impact people globally. These issues include anti-trafficking programs, education, girls’ empowerment, and child health, which is where Lin’s funds will be distributed. Children are disproportionately affected by poverty and empowering them is at the core of establishing better futures for the next generation. Globally, 385 million children are living in extreme poverty. According to analysis from the World Bank Group and UNICEF, 19.5% of children in developing countries are living in households surviving on $1.90/person or less per day. The effects of extreme poverty are the hardest on children, impacting their development in both body and mind.
Lin is a firm believer in donating his time and money to both national and global causes that don’t always receive much attention. Throughout his basketball career, Lin’s own foundationhas supported children and youth-focused education and leadership programs. His strong faith and passion for empowering young people drive him to continue serving the next generation.
The goal of the partnership between ODW and Jeremy Lin is not just Lin’s generous donation, but to also raise awareness and inspire everyday people to join the movement through simple acts of generosity. People can join Lin’s campaign to empower vulnerable children by making a donation or starting their own crowdfunding campaign with ODW at www.onedayswages.org/jlin.
