In yet another effort to provide a better life to the underprivileged children of Udayan, Australian Test skipper Steve Waugh launched a unique online fund raising 'Art Union' directed at cricket lovers in India and Australia.
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The winner will enter a draw for prizes which include a seven-day trip for two to Australia for Indian fans to witness the first Test at Brisbane from December 4 to 8 and a meeting with Waugh, who will give away a signed cricket bat.
If the winner is an Australian supporter, he will be entitled to a seven-day holiday for two to India for the final of the triangular tournament between Australia, India and New Zealand, to be played on November 18th in Kolkata.
The winner will also have the opportunity to meet Michael Bevan and be presented with a cricket bat signed by Waugh.
The winner and partner will then fly to Delhi to stay at the luxurious 14th Century Heritage Neemrana Hill Fort Hotel for four nights and a tour of the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra.
Waugh said, "I encourage all cricket lovers in India and Australia to buy a ticket in this promotion for a chance to win the ultimate cricket trip and to meet me or my good mate Michael Bevan.
"If we all pull together, we really can make a difference to the lives of the kids at Udayan," said the star cricketer, who has been associated with Udayan, a home for children of leprosy patients, since 1998.
"Whilst cricket is important to me, helping these children is a priority in my life. To offer these kids the opportunity to grow into happy, healthy and productive individuals is a privilege and one that I take very seriously," said Waugh.
Waugh said perhaps the most important benefit Udayan offers is to equip the kids with skills which enable them to earn a living.
"Udayan gives the children the opportunity to grow up in an environment free of the crippling stigma associated with leprosy. They leave Udayan's doors with the education and self confidence necessary to be happy and productive members of Indian society.
"Australia and India are both cricket-loving countries. I've always enjoyed India's high level of sportsmanship. This is the first time a fund-raising promotion has been directed to both the Australian and Indian public and certainly the first cricket themed, fund-raising promotion in both countries. I hope everyone will get behind it."
