Over 500 current and former football professionals are part of GOFUS in order to contribute to the life and social skills of socially disadvantaged children and adolescents in Germany. This is achieved through games, sports and exercise programs.
The non-profit organization generates the necessary financial support inter alia by hosting charity golf tournaments. With the donations numerous playgrounds located in social hotspots all over Germany were redeveloped, and old football pitches were converted into new multipurpose camps as part of the “PLATZ DA!” initiative.
The inauguration of the 100th GOFUS playground had to be something very special: The prominent participants of the tournament were meant to roll up their sleeves for the first time to take part in a playground renovation and create club history as part of a helpcentives event.
the content
Instead of taking the usual practise round before the tournament, about 100 volunteers wanted to spend an afternoon together in the socially and economically disadvantaged northern Dortmund to support a good cause. True to the motto “actions speak louder than words”, the volunteers got to work on refurbishing the gloomy and rundown playground.
Throughout the entire afternoon they shovelled, sanded, bolted, hammered and painted. With brand new playground equipment – from new swings to modern climbing frames – the play area was significantly upgraded. In addition, the entire area was cleaned and maintained. The volunteers colourfully painted the worn down wall around the playground as the final touch. After the work was completed, the unrecognisable playground was finally reopened in the evening for the children of the area, who were already waiting impatiently to start playing.
the result
The helpcentive was a complete success for everyone involved. The children of the neighbourhood finally have an enticing place to play to their hearts content and meet their friends.
The helpers themselves were able to gain new and valuable experiences through the campaign. They learned first-hand how important social projects are and how a little individual commitment enables social projects to be tackled in the shortest possible time.