Metta World Peace wants his greatest NBA achievements to truly make a difference.
The 18-year vet is proving once more that he cares more about evoking change than he does about his hardware.
World Peace just announced a new campaign, “Family Defense”, in which the Los Angeles Lakers forward will be giving away memorabilia each month until August 2016, when he’ll put his 2004 Defensive Player of the Year Trophy up for grabs.
World Peace was awarded the honour as a member of the Indiana Pacers, when he still went by Ron Artest and averaged more than two steals per game while helping Indiana reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
“Family Defense aims to help couples strengthen their relationships,” he said, “to encourage fathers to spend more quality time with their children, and create the best environments in which to raise families.”
This will be the second fundraiser organized by World Peace, who is more than happy with giving away his most prized awards for a chance to make a difference.
World Peace, 36, already raised $651,000 for his non-profit, Xcel University, when he auctioned his 2010 championship ring. It was the only ring he’s won during an 18-year NBA career.
After spending last season playing in China, World Peace is back in his second stint as a Laker, averaging 7.3 points, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks in seven games this season.
With the “Family Defense” fundraiser we are focused on families,” says World Peace, who was a guest on , Sportsnet’s weekly Raptors & NBA podcast. “What I want is to have good energy in the world. I may not know where it goes or where it travels to, but hopefully it will… reach a kid, or reach a family.”
“Growing up I was into the fast lifestyle and that doesn’t keep a family together,” he says. “Right now that is my focus.”
Proceeds will go to Xcel University, Inc., Mental Health America, and The Artest Foundation.
For information on how to donate and get involved in the “Family Defense” fundraiser visit mettaworldpeace.com or familydefense37.com.