Started in 2001, the partnership between the NBA and UNICEF USA leverages the power of basketball to support UNICEF's lifesaving programs around the globe, with a particular focus on emergency relief and grass roots efforts to foster youth peer-to-peer involvement around the world. Up to now, the total donated amounts to more than $2 million.
The NBA brings attention to important global issues through NBA Cares, its social responsibility initiative. As the worldwide popularity of basketball continues to grow, the NBA works to contribute to the greater good by partnering with international organizations like UNICEF and supporting global causes such as the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria prevention and natural disaster relief efforts.
In March 2011, NBA Cares and NBA star Dwight "Superman" Howard joined the U.S. Fund for UNICEF's Celebrity Tap campaign to celebrate the same clean water that we enjoy every day, and highlight children's need to provide safe, clean drinking water to the children all over the world.
The award-winning UNICEF Tap Project, which takes place during World Water Week, March 20–26, and throughout the month of March, is the U.S. Fund for UNICEF's nationwide campaign celebrating UNICEF's work to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities in more than 100 countries around the world.
