ELA festive donation drive

The European Leukodistrophy Association (ELA), who were awarded UEFA's CHF1m charity cheque for 2008, have launched a festive campaign for donations to help the fight against leukodystrophy genetic diseases and all myelin diseases – with gifts on offer for those who make donations between now and 4 January.

Draw opportunity
Each person who makes a donation on www.ledondelachance.com will automatically take part in a draw to win prizes offered by the ELA's partners. Many gifts are on offer, including the chance to meet French superstar Zinédine Zidane, who is an ELA ambassador.

Essential research work
Since 1992 the ELA has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about genetic diseases, finance medical research and help the families affected by this tragic illness. To find a cure faster the ELA has created a research foundation dedicated to all myelin diseases. The donation campaign will help fund essential research work.

Genetic diseases
Leukodistrophies are genetic diseases that destroy the nerve sheath (myelin) of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Once this sheath is damaged, the electrical current does not flow and the nerves impulses are interrupted.

Charitable cause
UEFA presented its annual CHF1m charity cheque to the ELA in Monaco last August. Since 1998, UEFA has used the Monaco gala events – which include the European Football Awards and the UEFA Super Cup match, and herald a new club competition season – to announce the donation of a one million Swiss Franc cheque to a charitable cause.