MIAMI (WSVN) – For the holiday season, Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem and his foundation are brightening the mood of 100 outstanding students with a $200 shopping spree at Walmart.
The Udonis Haslem Foundation will honor Haslem’s co-founder and cherished stepmother, Barbara Wooten, by bringing smiles and support to young scholars on Friday with the B-Wootie Holiday Program! I did.
“It’s a memory that lasts forever. It’s an irreplaceable memory. It’s a memory that you hold on to. It’s not about the money or anything like that,” Haslem said. “I got this from D.Wade. Sometimes I just enjoy the scenery. I want my kids to come out here and make memories and enjoy the scenery and have a good time. And hopefully… I hope we can talk about this for a long time.”
7News captured Haslem pushing a cart as students shopped for their favorite toys, clothing and accessories.
“Okay, now let’s go to the toys. Let’s go,” he said.
The young attendees appreciated the kind gesture from the Heat legend.
“Thank you, UD,” said the two girls.
Kendrick Arnold said, “It’s amazing. This was my birthday present and my birthday is December 24th, so it was like a big experience and it was amazing.”
“We are grateful that all of us who passed the test were allowed to come here and come to our school,” Marency Emmanuel said.
Haslem said students are growing academically despite the challenges.
“They go through so many challenges every day that you don’t see in the general world. I had no idea until they got to college that we grow up differently, and no one “I realized that they weren’t going to grow the same way we did,” he said. “There’s a lot of trauma and a lot of challenges in this city. So I want to tell my kids that they stay on the right path and that people all over the world care about them and are watching and cheering them on.” I just want to let them know what I’m doing for them. We want to reward them for doing the right thing and doing good. ”
It’s sure to be a memorable day for the students, who got an early Christmas and spent an exciting day with NBA legends.
“I’m grateful to be able to spend time here with my friend and him,” Emanuel said.
“That’s Haslem!” said Emanuel.
The children also went to Tropical Park’s Christmas Wonderland.
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