Wilfried Zaha, who ‘came from nothing’, donates 10% of his Crystal Palace wages to charity to put smiles on kids’ faces
GENEROUS Wilfried Zaha came from nothing but is giving his all to helping others.
Best known for his outrageous dribbling skills, the Crystal Palace forward has another side that is arguably even more impressive.
The 27-year-old Ivory Coast international is almost like Robin Hood in South London, taking from the rich and giving to the poor.
Because Zaha is a man who donates his time, energy and puts his money where his mouth is to donate to charitable causes in both the UK and in Africa.
And the fleet-footed star, who earns £130k-per-week, has been recognised internationally for his efforts.
MR 10 PERCENT
Every month, without fail, Zaha donates 10 percent of his monthly wage to charity.
“I give a tenth of my salary to charity every month so in terms of giving back, I do my best,” he told the E&H Foundation.
"That's not just charities here, it's charities in the Ivory Coast too," said Zaha.
“My mum makes sure of it as soon as the end of the month comes; I do that as my good deed to help.”
The majority goes to his sister's orphanage in Ivory Coast called Tomorrow's Hope.
They provide shelter, food,education and a family environment for orphans.
The Eagles star has also set up his own charity - the Zaha Foundation - that helps kids play football in both the UK and Ivory Coast.
Zaha grew up in Africa as one of nine siblings, before moving to Croydon in 1996. He realises the importance of giving back having himself come from humble beginnings.
“My passion for football has given me a platform to do something I love and to help others that, like me, didn’t receive any help or handouts," he told the Daily Mirror.
“I know what it’s like to come from nothing and not have any handouts, so I hope that what I’m doing is putting a smile on some people’s faces.
“Realising my dreams to be a professional footballer inspires me every day to help others.
“I love football and always give everything on the pitch, but I am aware that one day I will have another life with my charity, family friends and those trusted people around me.”
PALACE FOR LIFE FOUNDATION
Football clubs tend to be good when it comes to care in the community.
But with Crystal Palace, Zaha goes that extra mile.
In the past year, he has been involved with several community projects as an ambassador for the club.
One of the programmes that's particularly close to Zaha's heart is Premier League Kicks.
When he was just 14, a football superstar in the making, the winger would take part in their sessions at Canterbury Road, South London.
Today, Zaha is always willing to revisit his old stomping ground and train with the 'next Zaha'.
“I used to take part in Kicks and it’s great to have somewhere to go where the kids can play," he said,
"Having access to so many resources without having to pay for it. It’s nice to be able to go back and help out when I can, help my community and see everything progress.”
LAMBETH ALLSTARS
Most recently, Zaha donated £10,000 to Sunday League football club, Lambeth Allstars, as part of Carling’s Made Local Fund.
The money has gone towards buying new kits and equipment for the South London team.
Allstars were recently taken over by Omari Hibbert, who has changed the club’s identity in an effort to inspire local footballers from different backgrounds to come together.
Zaha revealed that he chose to get involved with Lambeth Allstars because of the sense of unity they provide for the community.
“The club has given so many people from the South London community a reason to come together and improve themselves both on and off the pitch," he said.
“The club has become integral to the community. I heard about Omari’s work and have followed the progress he’s been making.
"Hearing some of the stories of the people he’s helped is inspiring and it’s great to be able to help them take the next step on their journey.”
AWARD WINNER
While Zaha is not looking for thanks, his charitable efforts have been recognised.
Back in October, Zaha was awarded a Best of Africa Award for Philanthropic Endeavour in the Best of Africa Awards 2019 at the Rosewood Hotel in a glitzy ceremony attended by the likes of N'Golo Kante and rapper Stormzy.
The PFA also handed him a community award because of his work in South London.
While back in April, Zaha was given a philanthropist award at the Football for Peace initiative dinner by Global Gift.
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And he immediately used his speech as a platform to target racists who threaten to blight the game.
"There's a thing where I draw attention to it so the culprits can get found but I just laugh at them," he said.
"There needs to be something proper that scares people so they don't just get up and decide to be racist, basically."
