With the entire world watching in awe as its best soccer players competed on the ultimate stage, USA Soccer Star Landon Donovan used his own success on the field to give back to others. For each goal scored and assist made by Donovan during the 2010 World Cup he donated to Children Mending Hearts, a charity that teaches impoverished children worldwide to find and use their voices through creative expression.
Donovan’s generous donations will continue into the 2010 Galaxy Season as well. "Giving back to others is what our National Team is all about," Donovan said. "We're proud to represent our country and raise awareness for the causes that are close to our hearts. Each goal means that much more because it helps other people."
Donovan scored three goals and one assist during World Cup competition, including a game-winning goal in the 91st minute against Algeria which will forever be imprinted in US Soccer history!
About Landon:
Landon Donovan has been an active member in the LA Galaxy Foundation and was named the U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the year in 2008. He was the heart of the USA's exciting run in the 2010 World Cup and leads in National Team appearances, goals and assists. In 2009 he was named Major League Soccer MVP and just recently received the Honda Player of the Decade Award.
About Children Mending Hearts:
Founded in 2008 by Lysa Heslov, the purpose of Children Mending Hearts is to give children worldwide the power to find and use their voices through creative expression. CMH conducts workshops in the arts in America with local homeless children’s organizations, and internationally with NGO’s supporting children in conflict zones.
Through a team of arts/cultural specialists who conduct workshops in the arts including painting, photography, music, dance and drama, these kids experience the joy of childhood. Children Mending Hearts’ programs help expand the individual potential of these young people by strengthening their minds through creative stimulation and helping them grow into better global citizens.
Domestically, Children Mending Hearts empowers local organizations that work with disadvantaged and at-risk children throughout the country. CMH finds out what the participating organizations need, where they are lacking, and where they need help. CMH then brings in a volunteer pool so that when they leave a city after their workshop those volunteers are able to execute the Take Action points that CMH has given them.
