Evander Holyfield, former heavyweight champion of the world, has arrived in the Philippines as part of a humanitarian effort for children affected by typhoons in areas of Mindanao.
Holyfield was with the founder of Global Village Champions Foundation (GVCF), Yank Barry. The pair arrived from Detroit early Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Barry said that Holyfield had been named late last year as a goodwill ambassador for the foundation. Part of their mission is to engage in the distribution of medical supplies, education tools and clothing, as well as assist in feeding programs for victims of disasters, famine and the impoverished.
Holyfield is part of a long line of celebrities who have been involved in the GVCF mission, providing food to needy people since 1995 as part of the “A Day Without Hunger” program. Others who have participated previously include Celine Dion, Muhammad Ali, Michale Jordan and Buzz Aldrin.
Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to meet up with the pair in Sarangani province to coordinate the efforts in Mindao. Barry added that Pacquiao is also a member of the organization.
“We hope to help a lot of people there, particularly children,” Barry said.
Yank Barry was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012 for his humanitarian work. Additionally, he has received numerous other international awards for his work. Despite his efforts, the Red Cross stated that the needs were still monumental in the Mindanao area more than two months after it was struck by Typhoon “Pablo.”
