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 the Southwestern College—Ottawa basketball game to raise funds to send life-saving bed nets to prevent malaria in Africa.  The men’s and women’s games are on Thursday Feb. 11, 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 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.  For every $10 raised, Nothing But Nets will match it.  Fans paying for a $10 net will also be admitted free into the games.
           
Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria. Inspired by sports columnist Rick Reilly, tens of thousands of people have joined the campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in 2006. Founding campaign partners include the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, the people of The United Methodist Church, and Sports Illustrated.

For more information contact Julie Wilke at (620) 229-6252.