Swiss tennis star Federer donates half a million dollars to the children of Ukraine

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer announced today that he will donate 500,000 dollars (452,000 euros) to the children of Ukraine through his foundation, in order to "continue access to education for Ukrainian children" in light of the difficult situation as a result of Russia's invasion of their country.

The 40-year-old wrote a message on Twitter with hearts in the yellow and blue Ukrainian flag and a dove symbolizing peace: "My family and I were shocked when we saw the photos from Ukraine, and we felt so sad for the innocents who have been badly affected. We support peace."

The Swiss, who has won 20 major titles and has been out of action for nearly eight months due to successive injuries, added, "There are about 6 million Ukrainian children out of school now, and we know that it is a very critical time to secure access to education."

Federer and his wife Miroslava had twin girls in 2009 and twin boys in 2014. The Federer family "would like to help them (the children) deal with this very painful experience."

The Swiss set up the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003 to help disadvantaged children and said that it would "support (War Child Holland) with a donation of $500,000 to continue access to education for Ukrainian children."

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