Pacers’ Oladipo surprises domestic violence survivor with car
INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WISH) — Victor Oladipo got an early jump on the giving season.
The Indiana Pacers star on Sunday night gave the Kia car he won as the 2017-18 NBA Most Improved Player to a domestic violence survivor who works with the Julian Center, an Indianapolis organization supporting domestic violence survivors.
Renita Hills was honored on the court during the Pacers’ game Sunday against the Washington Wizards. Oladipo appeared in a taped message with the car.
“Hey Renita, it’s Victor Oladipo from the Indiana Pacers,” said Oladipo. “Last season, I won the most improved player for the NBA and Kia and they gave me this nice ride. I’ve heard part of your story, and I think you’re an inspiration to so many people and you’re a survivor. I love giving back to the community of Indianapolis. So, surprise! This car is actually for you!”
Pacers mascot Boomer then gave Hills the keys.
Oladipo won the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for December 2015 for his work that includes giving $35,000 to a center that works with children dealing with hearing loss, along with donating a car and money to a single mother and her daughter to help them transition out of living in an Orlando women’s shelter.
Watch Daybreak Monday morning on News 8, when Hills will share her story.
See the full surprise: