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Heat's Spoelstra makes appeal for Yolanda aid through UNICEF

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra poses for a portrait during media on September 30, 2013 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Erik Spoelstra continues to help out the relief efforts for the victims of Yolanda. This time he lent his time to UNICEF, by making a video calling for donations to help the kids affected by the disaster.
 
“Hi. I’m Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami Heat and a Filipino-American,” he opened.

“Devastation caused by the recent typhoon in the Philippines has been catastrophic and millions of children have been impacted. The NBA Family is teaming up with UNICEF to bring life-saving clean water, food, medicine and shelter that are urgently needed. Join our team.”

During his many trips to the Philippines, Spoelstra spent most of his time teaching kids how to play basketball so it comes as no surprise that he helped out UNICEF in the continuing efforts to help out the victims of one of the strongest typhoons the Philippines has ever seen.

The NBA has already made two $250,000 donations to the Philippines.

Micky Arison who owns the Miami Heat also donated a million dollars to the relief operations.

Spoelstra then stated how simple it is to make a $10 donation  "Thank you and maraming salamat po," Spoelstra closed.  

“Just helping right now has its own challenges,'' Spoelstra said Wednesday night in an interview with Tim Reynolds. ''There's a long road ahead. ... I feel a responsibility to help make people aware of how catastrophic this storm was to Filipinos in that region, but more importantly how people can assist with the relief. People want to help. They just want to know how. Donations for clean water, food and medical supplies is how people can help the most right now.''
 
In the same interview, Spoelstra added that helping out was a ‘no-brainer.’ ''South Floridians, we can relate to storms where you just brace and hold your breath and even when you're holding your breath you know the worst is coming,'' Spoelstra told Reynolds. ''That's how it felt with this. My family is fine. But some regions have just been slammed. They're going to need a lot of help. As soon as we started getting more updates, it was a no-brainer to get involved with UNICEF and the NBA. Micky, the Heat have been phenomenal.''
 

Video from UNICEF USA's official YouTube account