As the battle against coronavirus continues, VfB Stuttgart’s first team players have made a real show of solidarity by joining forces with VfBfairplay – the umbrella organisation for the comprehensive range of social initiatives run by the club – to donate a total of 100,000 euros. The money will go to those in need as well as healthcare professionals and doctors who are being forced to shoulder an extra burden during these difficult times.
VfB striker Mario Gomez: “It is not just our country that finds itself in a unique crisis situation at the moment. It’s also seriously affecting a lot of individuals both economically and in terms of their health. For me and my teammates, it was very clear: we stand together as a team and will help out wherever it is needed most urgently. And we also want to spare a thought for those who are on the frontline on behalf of us all at the moment, and are going above and beyond with their commitment.”
One of the organisations set to benefit from the donation is the Stuttgart branch of the Swabian food bank, which is currently battling to keep up its stock levels for people with little or no income. Support will also go to homeless people to ensure that they have groceries and hygiene products.
The Cannstatt boys have also come up with a special initiative for healthcare professionals and doctors in hospitals. VfB will be buying a large number of vouchers from local stores, restaurants, cinemas, book shops and cafés and giving them out along with various other gifts. The aim of this this particular initiative by the first team squad is twofold: it will provide a little cheer for those who receive the gifts, while at the same time supporting local shops and restaurants as they look to get through the current tough times.
Mario Gomez: “A lot of shop owners and also healthcare professionals and doctors are VfB fans and support us all year round, so now we want to be there for them. In particular I’d like to thank Philipp Klement, who was the guy in our team who was behind this initiative and took on a lot of the responsibility for it.”
VfB CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger on the donation: “I am proud of our team and how they are displaying a real sense of responsibility at this moment in time. On top of waiving their own salaries for the benefit of the club, their donation is a real demonstration of solidarity and togetherness.”