Adidas donates 2 700 pairs of shoes and jerseys to WC healthcare workers

With our athletic heroes sidelined for the time being, healthcare workers have literally stepped into their shoes after Adidas South Africa donated 2 700 pairs of footwear and fleece tops to the real heroes of 2020. 

The activewear giant pledged to continue donating their products to nurses and frontline workers in Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal after a handover ceremony in Cape Town on Monday 25 May. 

Adidas keeping healthcare workers warm

The ceremony included provincial government officials such as Premier Alan Winde, Minister of Health, Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais and The Health Foundation SA. 

Healthcare workers were able to share their stories bout the trying times that have befallen South Africa and the difficult work they are tasked with, while Roddy van Breda, General Manager of Adidas South Africa said that the tireless work they put in deserves reward. 

“Aside from our global initiatives, we felt it important to contribute to COVID-19 relief efforts in South Africa as well, so it’s our privilege to give back to the healthcare professionals, who work tirelessly every day, protecting and caring for our people,” he said. 

“As winter approaches, we’re mindful of the conditions they work in, as well as their commute to work, which is why we’ve donated both footwear and fleece jackets, in an effort to keep these amazing women and men warm and comfortable as they go about their important work.”

He said that the company was also donating a share of their sales profits in May and June to Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi’s foundation, which supports humanitarian efforts in vulnerable communities, among other efforts to assist the needy during the pandemic. 

“Globally, Adidas has donated over $3 million to the World Health Organisation and recently launched the #HometeamHero Challenge – for every hour of accumulated exercise between 29 May and 7 June, adidas will donate $1 to the WHO, with the goal being to reach one million hours.”

‘Together, we will win the battle’

Mbombo said that the gesture was much appreciated as it acknowledged the incredible efforts of healthcare workers, especially in the Western Cape where the majority of cases can be found. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged and put substantial pressure on our healthcare system, but our healthcare workers continue to devote their time and energy to contain this pandemic,” she said.  What Adidas has done is to acknowledge their immense sacrifices, invaluable dedication, commitment and unwavering efforts in managing this pandemic.”

“This generous gesture serves as a way of thanking them for risking their own lives in order to save the nation. We cannot thank them enough for their noble contributions and sacrifices.” 

“I thank adidas for coming on board in helping us celebrate our healthcare workers. It is our fervent hope that we will continue to work together in creating better working conditions for them because it will take the whole of society to defeat this pandemic.” 

Together, we will win this battle against COVID-19.”