London, March 10 (IANS): Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has pledged to donate his 2022 prize money to help children in Ukraine.
Earlier, women's World number 18 Elina Svitolina announced she will donate all of her prize money directly to the Ukrainian war effort. Similarly, Ukrainian refugee and Lyon Open finalist Dayana Yastremska joined her compatriot and will do the same.
The British tennis star said he's working with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits. Murray also highlighted how the war in Ukraine is disrupting children's schooling.
"I'm going to be donating my earnings from my prize money for the rest of the year, but anyone in the UK can support UNICEF's humanitarian response by donating to our appeal by following this link - https://unicef.uk/am_ukraine."
"Children in Ukraine need peace - now!"
"It's vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture," he said.
As the war between Russia and Ukraine rages into its second week, the tolls, displacement and damage done looks set to continue and even increase.
Murray revealed that he will donate the rest of the prize money he earns this year to help rebuild damaged schools, provide medical supplies and other broken equipment.
On a larger scale, all three of tennis' major governing bodies, the ATP, WTA and ATP, as well as the organisers of the four Grand Slams have all donated $100,000 each for a total of $700,000 (£532,000) to aid humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Murray announced his decision via his social media channels in a statement that read, "over 7.5 million children are at with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, so I'm working with UNICEF UK to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits.
"It's vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture."