Governing mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit commented: “I am happy to welcome Africa to Berlin today in this special way. My cordial welcome especially goes to the players of the five African World Cup teams, who are supporting the UNITED FOR AFRICA campaign. By supporting UNITED FOR AFRICA, the City of Berlin would like to express its solidarity with the people on the African continent. With your support, we are demonstrating the openness and solidarity of our city. Demonstrate your personal rejection of right wing extremist tendencies in Germany by showing your hospitality.”
Numerous celebrity supporters were present at the grand opening at Hackescher Markt. The stars of the African World Cup football team were demonstrating their football skills for charity, fashion fans made use of the opportunity to print their very own limited edition charity T-shirts and sports fans went one-on-one against leading film, radio and TV stars in a penalty shoot out. In addition to Daniel Brühl, Jasmin Tabatabai and Alexandra Maria Lara, photographer Hubertus von Hohenlohe and the American Jazz musician Keziah Jones supported the campaign with their unique talents and personal commitment. Also present at the event were Katrin Kortmann, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and representatives of several African embassies in Berlin.
“We are pleased and honoured to support the campaign UNITED FOR AFRICA in its initiatives and efforts”, said Jochen Zeitz, CEO of PUMA AG. “The Charity Tram with the PUMA Charity Collection UNITED FOR AFRICA is an innovative, unusual way to generate awareness and promote donations for Africa during the World Cup.”
The information stands at Hackescher Markt informed all visitors about the work carried out by UNITED FOR AFRICA. The aim of this event during the World Cup 2006 is to direct international awareness to Africa and African issues, to encourage and inspire people to face up to these topics and gather donations for the 5000 and more aid projects currently active on the African continent. In addition, the Goethe Institute Film Festival “Africa In Motion” was presented, which will amaze and excite football fans, Africa and cinema enthusiasts alike.
Susanne Anger, spokeswoman of UNITED FOR AFRICA said: “In addition to the work of the aid and humanitarian organisations, the UNITED FOR AFRICA campaign clearly aims to emphasize the opportunities and true potential which Africa has. With more than 5000 projects, the 30 aid organisations of UNITED FOR AFRICA actively help people in need every day. We are happy to have found such a strong and authentic partner as PUMA for our campaign.”
The UNITED FOR AFRICA Charity Tram runs on a central, specially planned route through the heart of Berlin and is advertising the campaign. The tram will attract attention by hosting numerous events featuring prominent artists and sports personalities and offer numerous opportunities to donate money to the charity. PUMA’s Charity Collection UNITED FOR AFRICA, also sold in the PUMA Concept Stores in Germany, will be available here for purchase, as will the limited edition World Cup outfits. The moment both wagons of the special event tram start moving, the motto until the 9th July 2006 is: GET ON IT!
Film material and photos can be downloaded at http://about.puma.com/newsroom. You will be redirected to the website www.thenewsmarket.com, where you will then be able to access the material free of charge. If you have any further questions please contact us by e-mail at puma@thenewsmarket.com.
