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Andy Murray will be donating £50 to the UNICEF for every ace that he hits until the end of the year, as per an official announcement on the blog of the United Nations program. The 28-year-old Scot spoke about the pledge ahead of Great Britain's Davis Cup semi-final against Australia in Glasgow, with the hope that he will be able to support UNICEF’s efforts in helping children who have endured tough times during conflicts and disasters.
From being a celebrity supporter of UNICEF UK and even starring in a series of comedy skit videos in June to raise money for charity, Murray’s decision to do such a good deed comes during a harsh time in Europe. The refugee situation in the continent has forced many migrant families to flee their homes due to restrictions forced on them by some of the countries, with Syrians especially being affected the most.
“After I saw the recent images on the news, I felt I had to do something to help the millions of children and their families who have been forced to flee their homes,” he said, while talking about the recent refugee crisis. “I’ll get that little bit more satisfaction from each ace I hit knowing that it will be helping Unicef keep children safe.”
Sponsors ATP, LTA, and Standard Life have also joined the World Number 3 in raising more money for the cause, matching his existing donation to raise a total of £200 per ace he manages to strike.
“I’m asking fans across the world to join with me to and support UNICEF’s vital work,” Andy went on to add. “Together we can help make a safer world for every child.”
The British number one has already hit 64 aces in the recently concluded US Open, with 19 of them coming in his fourth round loss to South African giant Kevin Anderson. He was supposed to be a major doubt for Great Britain's Davis Cup semifinal after picking up an illness mid-week, but will be fit to star for his country as they bid for their first Davis Cup final appearance in nearly 40 years.
Events in Shanghai and Paris followed by the World Tour Finals make for a busy few months for the Scot, although he does now have an added motivation to go ahead and finish his year with a bang.
