The Kanu Heart Foundation
The Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation founded by world renowned footballer, Nwankwo Kanu, who established the charity after undergoing major heart surgery in 1999.
KHF supports underprivileged children and young adults in Nigeria and other African countries who suffer from life-threatening heart conditions, helping to provide them with the required treatment.
Since its launch in 2000, KHF has successfully arranged for 538 children to receive open heart surgeries in hospitals around the world.
According to KHF data, the organisation has spent about $4.2 million, an average of $10,000.00 per person, on surgeries outside Nigeria.
The Foundation, which also works to tackle homelessness in Africa, has to date funded the construction of five hospitals across the continent to treat children with undiagnosed heart disease and provide them life-changing medical care.
The First Group is a proud long-term supporter of KHF, having raised thousands of dollars on behalf of the charity over the past two decades, funding heart surgeries performed in locations including India.
Nwankwo Kanu:
A legend of the world game
Twice named African Footballer of the year, Nwankwo Kanu is a sporting legend. During his playing career, Kanu racked up three Dutch domestic titles and a European Cup from his days at Ajax, an Olympic Gold for Nigeria, and double wins in the English Premier League and FA Cup during his time at Arsenal and Portsmouth. Major heart surgery in 1999 led Kanu to set up the Kanu Heart Foundation. Kanu is a keen long-term investor with The First Group, owning multiple units in The Diamond and Wyndham Dubai Marina.