
Florida family displaced by fire gets new house from Heat's Wade |
Story Highlights
Dawn Smith's nephew accidentally burned down her home in South FloridaWhen the Heat's Dwyane Wade heard about it, he gave the Smiths a new houseWade's foundation has also hosted several charity events this holiday season |
MIAMI (AP) -- When Dwyane Wade heard the plight of a South Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned down her home -- and ruined all the family's possessions -- the Miami Heat star knew he had to do something. So he helped the family move into a new home, just in time for Christmas. Wade presented Dawn Smith with the ultimate Christmas gift on Wednesday -- the keys to a her new house, along with some furnishings, clothing and gifts to make sure her family has a joyous holiday, something that didn't seem likely just a few weeks ago. His Wade's World foundation will make some payments on the home, while Smith and her family get back on their feet. "That's what I try to teach my kids," said Wade, whose foundation has hosted several charity events this holiday season, mostly for needy children. "It's not about what you're going to receive -- it's what you can give to others from what you've received." Smith couldn't hold back happy sobs when she saw the home for the first time. "A big-time relief," Smith said, clearly overcome by emotion. "Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Oh, God, thank you so much." The NBA's leading scorer this season had a simple message: "Hopefully, you'll like it." Wade's other holiday events this year included a party for 350 children on Monday, and hosting 100 kids at Tuesday night's Heat game against the Golden State Warriors. He also donated $10,000 to each of three children's organizations, but said he was particularly touched by being able to assist the Smith family. "We can help this family have a new beginning," Wade said. Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ![]() | ![]()
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