As part of a nationwide effort in support of the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign, Southwestern College will be taking donations at a basketball game to raise funds to send life-saving anti-malarial bed nets to Africa.  The event will take place at Southwestern’s men’s and women’s games against Friends University on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 6 and 8 p.m. inside Stewart Field House.
            
Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets are one of the most cost-effective methods of preventing malaria, a leading killer of African children. They create a protective barrier against mosquitoes at night, when the vast majority of malaria transmissions occur.  One bed net can protect a family of four, and lasts up to five years.  It costs just $10 to purchase, deliver, and educate the recipient on its proper use.  Fans paying for a $10 net will also be admitted free into the games.  The United Methodist Foundation will match each $10 gift that is donated.
         
“We have already saved hundreds of thousands of lives,” says Dick Wilke, bishop in residence at Southwestern College.  “Our goal is to stamp out malaria.  Each net will save a person’s life.”

Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign. Inspired by sports columnist Rick Reilly, hundreds of thousands of people have joined the campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in 2006. Campaign partners include the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, the United Methodist Church, and Major League Soccer’s MLS W.O.R.K.S.

For more information go to www.NothingButNets.net.