Woods plans to help Haiti relief effort by supporting groups providing youth programs

Woods looking to help Haiti relief effort

IRVINE, Calif. — Tiger Woods plans to help with relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti by supporting groups that provide resources to children.

Greg McLaughlin, president of the Tiger Woods Foundation, said Friday he has not received any information from rap mogul Russell Simmons, who has said on Twitter that Woods is providing $3 million to help with the recovery.

McLaughlin said the foundation staff was evaluating “the most appropriate role” to help the Haitian people.

“Our plan is be part of the relief effort to help rebuild Haiti by supporting organizations that provide critical resources to young people, which is consistent with our mission and previous efforts regarding Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami,” McLaughlin said in a statement.

Woods, who has not been seen since a Nov. 27 car accident and subsequent firestorm over extramarital affairs, established the foundation when he turned pro in 1996. Its mission is to “deliver unique experiences and innovative educational opportunities to youth worldwide,” and its most recent annual report says it has reached over 10 million children.

Woods’ foundation gave $100,000 to tsunami relief efforts in 2004 through Give2Asia, with the money directed toward two groups providing sanctuary and relief to children. It also gave the Baton Rouge Area Foundation $200,000 to set up a Hurricane Katrina educational fund.