NBA legend Michael Jordan to celebrate 60th birthday with Rs 70 cr donation to children’s nonprofit org Make-A-Wish

Basketball icon Michael Jordan is turning 60 on February 17. The six-time NBA champion has marked this special occasion with a generous donation. The former athlete-turned-entrepreneur will donate a whopping $10 million (roughly Rs 70 crore) to the non-governmental organization Make-A-Wish Foundation.

This is one of the largest donations the organisation has ever received in its 43 years of existence. Jordan has been associated with the organisation for the past 34 years. Jordan, who is well-known for his generous donations, is still one of the most sought-after celebrities for granting the wishes of children and people from marginalized groups. He was named Make-A-Wish's Chief Wish Ambassador in 2008 for what the organization called the “life-changing impacts he has had on wish kids and their families.”

Speaking about the donation, the NBA legend told a leading media outlet, “ It’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids. Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.”

The superstar also went on to say that he hopes others would join him in his mission to make children’s dreams come true.

Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player in history, with six NBA Finals MVP Awards to his name.

Make-A-Wish Foundations’ chief executive, Leslie Motter, has come forward to praise the star’s largesse. “Everyone knows about Michael’s legacy on the basketball court, but it’s what he has consistently done off the court, when no one’s watching, that makes him a true legend for wish families and the wider Make-A-Wish community,” she told a leading news agency.

Founded in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is a US-based non-profit-organisation that helps fulfill the wishes of terminally ill children aged between 2 and 18. Although headquartered in Phoenix, USA, the organisation operates in 50 countries around the world through 39 international affiliates.