James Harden donates essential supplies, basketball court to Haitian children
Brooklyn Nets star James Harden isn’t just producing on the court.
The nine-time NBA All-Star, through his Impact13 Foundation, donated approximately 5,000 essential supplies to children in Haiti last week.
Performance apparel such as Adidas backpacks, socks, shoes, water bottles and basketballs as well as personal hygiene products such as Art of Sport deodorant, body wash, and lotion were distributed to more than 300 kids. Gopuff, the go-to platform for instant delivery of everyday needs, partnered with Impact13 Foundation to donate 3,000 personal hygiene products, including condoms, tampons, menstrual pads and postpartum underwear.
“Leading by example is the best way I can inspire others to step up and join the effort to help change lives for the better,” Harden told Yahoo Sports. “I’ve read about the poverty in Haiti and the disadvantages they face every day, and I want to make sure I am doing my part to help where I can.”
Furthermore, Harden partnered with Foundation Barbancourt in Haiti and local artists Olivier A. Ganthier and Elliot Gerard to supply a new basketball court that features their creative artwork.
“Well, it’s the right thing to do,” Harden told Yahoo Sports. “I wanted to leave something special behind that will last for generations and this court will give kids the opportunity to have a safe place to hoop and will inspire them to chase their dreams of making it to the NBA or WNBA.”
The 13-year veteran spoke on why he chose Haiti.
“Haiti is a beautiful country with hardworking, resilient people,” Harden told Yahoo Sports. “Bringing the game of basketball as well as other resources to Haiti would give the youth more opportunities to have a better life. Sports have the power to change lives. I have a friend who has Haitian roots, and his team reached out to let my team know about Foundation Barbancourt and all the amazing work they are doing for their community, so I wanted to get involved.”
On the court, Harden is seeking his first championship. But off the court, he’s seeking to be a champion of supplying resources to the underprivileged youth all across the world.
“A goal of mine is to win the NBA Community Assist Award,” Harden revealed to Yahoo Sports. “I have always been active within my community, but this year and moving forward, I will do more within my community and globally. Through my Impact 13 Foundation, we want to impact the lives of thousands and inspire the youth to chase their dreams.”
