Dubai-based teenager Laura Smith raised Dh27,600 for the Roger Federer Foundation.
After six months of fundraising a Dubai-based teenager had the opportunity to hand over a cheque for the Roger Federer Foundation to the big man himself.
Most people, who have raised money for the foundation, had to be content with sending the cheque by post or transferring the money online. But 18-year-old Laura Smith was one of the lucky few who got to hand the cheque over in person.
A bag of nerves, the teenager's hands shook continuously as she explained how she had raised the money through various projects since September last year.
Challenge
She said: "Last year I decided to undertake a challenge to raise money for the Roger Federer Foundation (RFF) by organising various events. This included a charity auction, non-uniform day at my school, a Halloween sale, sponsored tennis competition and a Christmas card competition."
Dubai British School student Smith met the world No 1 in the private player's lounge after his first round match of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships.
Federer graciously accepted the cheque of Dh27,600 and thanked her for all her hard work.
He said: "The RFF supports education, sports and leisure activities in places with little or no funding at all. In many countries of the world, a majority of people, despite their efforts, do not have access to education or sports. This is precisely the point where the foundation wants to intervene."
Small difference
Smith added: "By carrying out this challenge I have learnt many things. It has made me appreciate how lucky I am, and I really hope I have managed to make a small difference through my efforts. It's been a pleasure communicating with the RFF."
Through this foundation Federer says: "In sports we learn how to fight: for victory, for the entire team, in order to reach a goal. I am very glad to be able to make a difference by means of my foundation."
Smith organised the charity auction with generous donations from business houses across Dubai including Dubai Duty Free, who donated valuable tennis memorabilia, Spinneys, Géant, Gulf Greetings, Borders, Hallmark, The Toy Store, Jumeirah Hotels, Shangri-La, Lindt, Apple, I-Style and more.
