An Atlanta-based Kenyan businessman took the Ice Bucket challenge Friday and donated Sh1 million to the Beyond Zero Campaign which is spearheaded by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
Mr David Karangu, the CEO of Ivory Chevy Auto Sales Company, also nominated two other Kenyan businessmen to take the challenge.
“I challenge my friends Chris Kirubi and James Mwangi of Equity Bank to drench themselves in ice cold water and, even more importantly, donate to this worthy cause,” he told t Nation.co.ke outside his Atlanta home.
And in response to our enquiry later in the day, the office of the First lady wrote an email to the Nation confirming receipt of the money.
“The donation is greatly appreciated,” read part of the massage.
Some of Kenyan personalities who have taken up the challenge so far include NTV’s news anchor Larry Madowo and Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.
Others are former presidential candidate, Peter Kenneth, journalists Kalekye Mumo, Fareed Kimani and Jeff Koinange.
Askthegirls and the Nailab Team have also stood up to be counted.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
Beyond Zero Foundation was formed in January 2014 with the aim of complementing the government’s efforts of reducing maternal and child mortality.
It is part of the initiatives outlined in Mrs Kenyatta’s strategic framework towards HIV control, promotion of maternal, new born and child health in Kenya.
Mr Karangu also appealed to other Kenyans residing outside the country to “consider taking the challenge.”
The businessman, who was recently hosted for breakfast by President Uhuru Kenyatta during his visit to New York, also serves as the honorary Chairman of Kenya Diaspora Advisory Council – Georgia Chapter.
The Ice Bucket challenge encourages nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water poured on their heads and then nominating others to do the same.
A common stipulation is that nominated participants have 24 hours to comply or forfeit it by way of a charitable financial donation.
Although its origins are unclear, the challenge has become popular around the world and has helped raise billions worldwide in support of multiple causes, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and cancer research.
Internationally, former US President George W Bush is perhaps among the most famous personalities to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
Source-nation.co.ke
