ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK. NHL-pros share their millions. A newly opened trust will help sick and handicapped children in the north of Sweden.
"Not everyone are as lucky as we are", says Markus Näslund.
The idea derives from NHL, where clubs and separate players have donated money to charity and foundations for a long time. "Foppa" is the firestarter to the NHL model here in Sweden. "I might have made the suggestion, but we professionals have thought about it jointly for many years... The problem has been to find a way that works", says Peter Forsberg. "This spring the work intensified and now the trust is a fact". Already next year the pros are hoping the first grants will be given out. The start of the trust will be a contribution from one and all of us. "There is no demand on how much you have to give, but all players will decide for themself the amount of money given"...Says Foppa. Foppa has descided to join with a million kronor (100,000 US$) "it is a lot of money but we players have different circumstanses. Everyone doesen't earn that much money. Money is also coming from charity preformances". In august will the NHL pros will play two matches - One in Örnsköldsvik and one in Timrå. All the money are going in to the trust. All the interest will be given in grants. "I have seen children that have a lot of troubles and it isen't more than right that we, who are so priviliged, should help to make their everyday life easier", says Marcus Näslund.
