Yuvraj Singh was only worth Rs 1 crore in last week’s IPL auction, but the one-time T20 monarch and the No.1 hero in India’s 2011 World Cup win, keeps promoting an emotional (and excellent) cause.
Away from the public eye and, if one was to calculate in terms of rupees or dollars, then priceless.
That, for you, is Yuvraj and his work which isn’t directly linked to the 22 yards which count for a cricketer.
Christmas saw Yuvraj tweet: ‘The season of sharing is here n as much as we love to spend Christmas close to r families, let’s also gift a smile to those less fortunate. Shop on ywcofficial.com n make someone’s Christmas shine just as bright as urs!...’
Then, on December 12, on turning 37, Yuvraj had tweeted: ‘Today, on my birthday, I pledge to support the treatment of 25 children suffering from cancer, through my Foundation, YouWeCan...’
Yuvraj missed out the word ‘more’, for a certain number of cancer-struck children are already being cared for by the Foundation.
“We engage in three things... Fund treatment of cancer, spread awareness and work towards early detection, support the education of around 25 children who are cancer survivors...
“YouWeCan exists for a cause, it very much has a purpose...
“People see me as a brand ambassador for cancer survivors and, if I’m able to inspire, then it’s a joy-giving feather in my cap,” Yuvraj told The Telegraph.
“Believe that you can defeat cancer,” is one advice Yuvraj happily shares.
Out of favour with the India selectors for almost a year-and-a-half, Yuvraj added: “As regards my tweet on Christmas... A new year is days away and this is a time to think of the less fortunate too. Less fortunate by way of health and privileges...
“I’d like my well-wishers to pray for those afflicted by illnesses, especially cancer, and even for the ones fighting their way out of troubles...
“Your readers may be aware that profits from my brand, YWC (which deals in merchandise), go towards the Foundation. Which is why my Christmas tweet included the appeal to shop on ywcofficial.com.”
Besides donations, fund-raising events are essential, but Yuvraj’s last such exercise was back in the summer of 2017, during the Champions Trophy in England.
“We’re looking at options, but it would be premature to say anything specifically,” Yuvraj said.
As the CEO of YouWeCan, Shazmeen Kara, put it: “Generally, while there are generous donors, philanthropy is still at a fairly nascent stage in India...
“Hopefully, that will change in the near future.”
Today, however, that’s the reality.
Yuvraj’s Foundation, by the way, is in “talks” with some universities to ensure that the 25 or so children who’ve beaten cancer are able to pursue education beyond the school stage.
“Apollo Hospitals in the Capital and St Jude India ChildCare Centres, across six cities, have been our partners...
“A process is followed before the funding of education gets started...
“The children need a medical certificate stating they are fit to resume/take up studies. We do have a protocol which must be followed...
“It should be noted that the children have to be from the under-privileged section of society and their parents must furnish the BPL card,” explained Shazmeen.
Nobody should have an issue with that.
