An African community will be cheering each time Adelaide United FC finds the back of the net this season as the club’s major partner Stratco pledges $2000 per goal to its Water for the World initiative.
An African community will be cheering each time Adelaide United FC finds the back of the net this season as the club-s major partner Stratco pledges $2000 per goal as part of their Water for the World initiative, which raises much needed funds for World Vision Australia.
Water for the World was founded by the South Australian building and hardware specialist in 2006, an initiative which improves access to clean water for communities in developing countries and has partnered with World Vision since 2007 to support successful water projects in the Solomon Islands, Zambia and Tanzania.
All funds raised through this latest effort to go directly to World Vision-s new water and health project in Burundi, Africa.
As part of the initiative, a special 60 second video clip featuring Reds striker Sergio Van Dijk has been produced to promote and help raise awareness of the worthy cause. Van Dijk says he is honoured to be part of the project and will provide even further motivation for the Reds this season.
“I-m proud to be a part of the Water for the World initiative and hope my team mates and I can do Stratco proud by scoring as many goals as we can,” he said.
“Not only is the Hyundai A-League championship in our sights, we also want to raise money for World Vision-s Water project in Burundi and we hope our fans will get behind this great initiative.”
As a proud sponsor of Adelaide United and a loyal supporter of World Vision, Stratco saw an opportunity to connect the two. Through this latest effort, Stratco Marketing Manger Shane Jones feels they will be able to promote and raise awareness of Water for the World to a much wider audience.
“We felt this new initiative was a fun way to support World Vision-s water project in Burundi and at the same time engage both Adelaide United players and fans,” Jones said.
“Over the last four years we have donated over $127,000 to World Vision-s Water projects. With Adelaide United scoring 51 goals last season, we hope to match this or more depending on the team-s kicking precision!”
On World Water Day back in March, CEO of World Vision Rev Tim Costello joined Van Dijk and Reds goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic in a ‘scratch match- to announce the initiative. Rev Costello is excited about the upcoming season and feels there is no better time to be raising awareness around water projects in Africa.
“In August I visited drought affected communities in Kenya. The affects of the failing rains was devastating, causing crops and livestock to die and people to flee their homes in search of food and water. This is a situation not just affecting Kenya but many parts of Africa,” Rev Costello said.
“Water projects like the one supported through Water for the World in Burundi are essential in assisting poor communities gain access to clean water. These projects provide communities with the right tools to respond to drought.”
“Football is a global sport that unites nations. On many occasions when I have visited our projects I have seen the joy on children-s faces when they are playing football with their friends, the game allows them to be children and for a little while escape the realities of poverty.”
“We thank Stratco for their ongoing support and for developing this exciting concept, and we wish Adelaide United the best in the upcoming season,” he said.
The powerful footage of the 60 second video explains the story behind the partnership and will be played on the big screen at Hindmarsh Stadium before each of Adelaide United-s 13 home games. On the day, fans can also join the twitter discussion #water4theworld.
For more information about World Vision, visit www.worldvision.com.au.
Click here to view the video clip.
