The famed Australian cricketer was last week in New Delhi for the launch of Steve Waugh Foundation, which has committed to a "coordinated approach to the service, identification, treatment and cure of rare diseases and illnesses primarily focusing on children."
As one of its first initiative, the foundation has joined hands with Udayan, a Kolkata-based home for the rehabilitation of children suffering with leprosy.
Talking to reporters, Waugh said, "while touring India during one of our games, I happened to visit the Missionaries of Charity and Mother Teresa in Kolkata, whose work greatly inspired me."
"India gave me this life-changing moment when I met Mother Teresa in Kolkata," reminisced Waugh, who was named Australian of the Year in 2004.
Mother Teresa established the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata in 1950 and it presently has over 4,800 nuns and 757 branches in 145 nations. For over 45 years the humanitarian icon ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, for which she won a Noble Peace Prize in 1979.
"So meeting Mother Teresa was a catalyst," says Waugh, who believes his Cricket and influence will be instrumental in bringing a difference in the lives of poor children.
He adds: "I got associated with Udayan where, I think, Reverend James Stevens has done an incredible job." Rev James is the founder of Udayan, which in Bengali means 'dawn', or 'resurrection'.
"I am passionate about this country, its people, and the causes and projects I support here," continues Waugh. "I know I really can make a difference, bring hope, compassion and opportunity where once it wasn't clear or certain."
One has to "give 100 % every day, be it on the cricket field or helping a child" to make a positive impact, says the former World Cup winning skipper.
The legendary cricketer's foundation is backed by George Tomeski, co-founder of the PlayUp group. A percentage from the recently launched 6UP game - a cricket SMS gaming service - will be donated to Steve's foundation.