Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz has started a fund-raising campaign supporting Red Cross Germany to help those affected by the flooding of western Germany.
At least 58 people have died in the North Rhine-Westphalia district after the area was hit with torrential rain, leaving nearly 4,000 residents in emergency accommodation.
A large portion of Havertz’s family still lives in the affected area, with Havertz having spent time in some of the worst-hit places as a youngster.
Along with making various gifting of his own, including a €200,000 cash donation, he has designed a pair of limited edition ‘Nike Phantoms’ which will be sold to raise funds for the appeal.
Havertz will wear the boots for Chelsea’s Premier League game against Arsenal before they are auctioned off with a signed match shirt.
Kai Havertz said:
“I’m in a hugely privileged situation and I hope by starting this campaign supporting the Red Cross Germany I can inspire others to give what they can to help.
“My limited edition boots are a sign of solidarity with those suffering, to show that I stand with my community and I am thinking of them.
“I was so shocked when I first saw the images, it’s difficult to comprehend what the people must be going through right now, but I knew I had to do something.
“By donating money, we can help Red Cross Germany with their relief and assistance efforts on the ground to make sure it gets to people that need it most.
“I want to say thank you to 11TeamSports for their help with logistics and for pledging all money from sales to the campaign.”
