Big News!: Irving Announces Exciting News; NBA Star Kyrie Irving Foundation Pledges $5.6 Million to Global Fight Against Hunger and Homelessness
April 18, 2025 – In a game-changing announcement that blends star power with global compassion, NBA icon Kyrie Irving has teamed up with the international nonprofit Save the Children to launch a powerful new initiative aimed at combating hunger and providing shelter to vulnerable children and families around the world.
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The Kyrie Irving Foundation, known for its commitment to social justice and community empowerment, has pledged a monumental $5.6 million to Save the Children, marking one of the foundation’s largest donations to date. The initiative will fund emergency food programs, build sustainable shelter solutions, and provide vital support to families living in crisis zones.
“This isn’t just a donation—it’s a movement,” Irving declared in a joint press conference held in Brooklyn on Friday morning. “Children should never have to worry about their next meal or whether they’ll have a safe place to sleep. This partnership is about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity to those who need it most.”
Save the Children, a globally respected humanitarian organization that works in over 100 countries, lauded the partnership as a milestone in the fight against global poverty.
“We’re honored to join forces with Kyrie Irving and his foundation,” said Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children US. “This incredible contribution will have an immediate and lasting impact on children facing hunger, displacement, and disaster. Together, we’re going to change lives.”
A Strategic Alliance with Global Reach
The donation will be strategically allocated to several ongoing and emerging programs in regions hardest hit by conflict, climate change, and economic instability. A significant portion of the funds will support food security programs in East Africa, where prolonged drought has devastated agricultural communities. Another share will go toward building transitional housing for families in earthquake-affected regions of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
In addition to emergency response, the initiative will invest in long-term resilience. Programs will include agricultural training for families, school meal services, and the construction of community kitchens and learning centers.
“This is not just about charity—this is about justice,” Irving emphasized. “It’s about equity. It’s about making sure kids everywhere have the chance to grow, dream, and thrive, no matter their circumstances.”
Irving’s Ongoing Commitment to Activism
Kyrie Irving, an NBA champion and eight-time All-Star, has long used his platform to advocate for underrepresented voices and support humanitarian causes. Over the years, his foundation has funded clean water projects in Pakistan, distributed thousands of meals to families in need across the U.S., and covered tuition for students from low-income communities.
This new partnership with Save the Children marks a deepening of Irving’s global philanthropic efforts.
“I’ve always believed in leading with love,” said Irving. “This is personal to me. I see these kids as our future, and I want them to know someone out there is rooting for them—even if they’ve never met me.”
Global Impact, Local Action
In addition to the international efforts, a portion of the $5.6 million will also go toward expanding Save the Children’s domestic programs in the United States. This includes mobile food banks in underserved neighborhoods, support services for migrant children at the border, and trauma-informed counseling for families affected by poverty or violence.
To amplify the impact, Irving and Save the Children plan to launch a public awareness campaign under the hashtag #FeedShelterEmpower, encouraging fans, corporations, and fellow athletes to contribute and share in the mission.
“This is just the beginning,” said Soeripto. “With Kyrie on our side, we have an incredible opportunity to inspire real, scalable change.”
As for Irving, he remains focused on using his voice and resources for a higher purpose.
“Basketball is what I do,” he said. “But this—this is who I am.”