While there were varying views about Michael Schumacher within the Formula 1 fraternity during his successful career, the seven-time champion has always kept out of the public eye off the track.

But one aspect of his personal life that is relatively well-known is his charitable side, despite the fact that Schumacher's generosity has been done with little fanfare.

The 44-year-old who is currently fighting for his life in a Grenoble hospital following a skiing accident has long donated to a variety of causes... 

 

UNESCO

The former Ferrari driver is a Special Envoy for Education and Sport and donated €1.5 million to the organization.

In a 2002 interview with the organization he explained his dedication to funding projects: "I really want to help the ones people don't know about. Nowadays, certain projects attract lots of donors. Then there are others you never hear about. Those are the ones I'm interested in."

He also once told F1 magazine that: "It's great if you can use your fame and the power your fame gives you to draw attention to things that really matter."

 

Senegal

In 2002, Schumacher funded the construction of a school in a poor slum in Dakar, the capital of the West African state of Senegal.

 

Sarajevo

In 1997, Schumacher opened a clinic for child victims of the Balkans War. The clinic provides artificial limbs for amputees as well as psychological support.

 

Peru

In 2002, he funded the construction of a 'Palace for the Poor' in Lima, Peru which caters for homeless children and provides education, food and medical treatment for street children.

 

2004 Tsunami

Along with his two sons, Schumacher's bodyguard lost his life in in the 2004 Tsunami following the Indian Ocean earthquake. Schumi donated over €7 million in aid which meant that he gave more money than many individual countries, sports entities and organizations.

 

Schumacher is also known to support UNICEF and Childline, as well as road safety campaigns.