FC Bayern Munich are transforming scarves into protective masks for adults and children with all proceeds going to ‘WeKickCorona’, an initiative set up by the club’s players Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.
Money raised will be distributed among charitable endeavors in need during this pandemic, ranging from food banks and medical equipment supplies in hospitals to helping the homeless and even blood donation services who are seeing a massive shortage. The scarves were originally due to be distributed at the team’s Champions League match against Chelsea FC on March 18 to celebrate their 120th anniversary at the Allianz Arena. Instead they are now being altered into masks by a local Bavarian company.
“With this action, we want to show that FC Bayern is doing everything possible to deal with the pandemic in an exemplary and disciplined manner,” says FC Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Pandemic Action
“Meanwhile, we are pleased to be able to contribute to the marvelous initiative of Joshua and Leon. This is a great example of how our players recognize their functions as role models in society and are showing solidarity in this crisis.”
“It’s a central concern for us to make a positive contribution during the current COVID-19 crisis. In the interests of sustainability, the material already available in the FC Bayern scarves will be recycled for a good cause.
With the production of our masks, we also want to reduce the rush on medical products,” explains Jörg Wacker, who is responsible for internationalization, strategy and merchandising on the board of FC Bayern. Joshua Kimmich commented: “It was the plan from the beginning that it should not only be an action of both of us players, but that as many people as possible participate in it. It is great that the club is supporting us and now we hope that a nice donation will be made for good causes”.
The textile makeshift masks can be washed at 60 degrees and can be used several times. Many governments are recommending the use of masks in public, but they are unfortunately in short supply.
FC Bayern wants to make a contribution to ensure that everyone has fair access to masks. Wearing these masks does not medically protect against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 but has been shown to reduce the speed of the air flow and reduce droplet emission.
