Team for Humanity, a fundraiser by Give (formerly GiveIndia), has launched an auction of collectibles donated by eminent sports and entertainment personalities to raise funds for low-income families that lost their breadwinner to COVID-19.
Global athletes and celebrities have donated their personal memorabilia such as autographed bat from Virat Kohli, pair of spikes from Sunil Chhetri, Jimmy Choo shoes from Kareena Kapoor Khan, autographed gloves from Lewis Hamilton, and an autographed jersey from Manchester City FC, among many others.
To represent this global effort, a Team for Humanity jersey has been launched, which is also available for purchase on CharityStars. It captures the spirit of the cause, one where the world sets aside its differences and unites to uplift those in need of help. The jersey incorporates PUMA’s dryCELL technology. The auction is live on Charity Stars till 15 September, while the jersey sale will be available till the end of the month. All proceeds from both events will directly contribute to the fundraiser.
The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic saw India experience loss at a scale and impact that was unprecedented. Over 250,000 families lost their primary breadwinner to the pandemic. While the scenario has improved in terms of caseloads and access to vaccines, their battle for survival is far from over, as they’re now being pulled into abject poverty, saddled with unpaid medical loans, and with no funds to manage shelter, food or education for their children.
Team for Humanity was kickstarted in 2021, post the second wave of the pandemic. The initiative that began with the support of PUMA and DDB Mudra Group now has around 696 organic contributors across industries, sports, performing arts, and more. Celebrities and brands such as Glenn McGrath, Mary Kom, Pep Guardiola, New Zealand All Blacks, Hungama Music, Sportstar, Miss Malini, and Sony Music have also extended their support to the cause.
Commenting on the initiative, Abhishek Ganguly, Managing Director at PUMA India & Southeast Asia said, “The second wave of COVID-19 was a tragic and a tough period for India with several people losing lives and loved ones. As a brand, PUMA decisively came together with Give and DDB Mudra Group to extend support to low-income families who lost a breadwinner to the pandemic.”
Abhishek added, “We, at that point, also recognized the long-term impact of COVID-19 across sections of society. We are participating in this sporting auction to further raise funds. Through our associations with clubs, federations and athletes – we have collected and contributed valuable sports memorabilia towards the Team for Humanity auction. We hope that people support the fundraiser by buying these collectibles and cherishing them for not just what they mean but also as a gesture towards easing the long-term impact of the pandemic on the lives of people.”
Sumit Tayal, COO, Give added, “The second wave of Covid-19 last year saw many families losing their loved ones, and this was especially difficult for the low-income families who lost their only breadwinner. At this time, the ‘Team for Humanity,’ a fundraiser on the Give platform by global athletes and entertainment superstars, came forward to support the families of the Covid-deceased in the form of cash relief. I am grateful that the latest auction of collectables of athletes and entertainment personalities will help in raising more funds for the cause. I thank ‘Team for Humanity’ for this noble initiative.”
So far, this global movement has raised a total of over INR 2,90,00,000 and 644 low-income bereaved families have received a one-time cash support of INR 30,000 (approximately USD 400/family) as financial aid, which will help them tide through this difficult time.
