Soccer Saves doing first project in Ethiopia

Soccer Saves, the Seattle non-profit affiliated with Seattle Sounders FC and Save the Children, is starting its first program targeting kids in Ethiopia. I profiled the organization here.

Using the magnet of soccer, the group aims to teach disadvantaged youth about healthy lifestyles by partnering with humanitarian organizations promoting HIV/AIDS education, nutrition, gender equity and reproductive health.

This week co-founder Cliff McCrath is blogging from Ethiopia, where he says Africa's second most populous country now has 5.5 million orphans and vulnerable children. Most have been orphaned because one of both of their parents had HIV/AIDS and died.

Closer to home, the second annual Puget Sound Soccer Challenge kicks off at Qwest Field on Saturday. Employees from Boeing and Microsoft have been competing since 1997, but last year they expanded the event to include more teams and raise money for philanthropy. At 11 a.m. team Boeing plays against Microsoft, followed by Starbucks vs. Expedia at 1 p.m.

On Thursday evening, organizers are throwing a pre-match auction and dance party at the Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle, with Sounders FC player appearances. All proceeds from both public events will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska.