Goetze to put up boots on auction for refugees

Published September 19, 2015
Mario Goetze — AFP
Mario Goetze — AFP

World Cup winner Mario Goetze plans to raise funds to help Germany's immigrants amidst the on-going crisis by auctioning his playing boots embroidered with the hashtag '#refugeeswelcome'.

The 23-year-old forward scored Bayern Munich's second goal while wearing the special boots in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Olympiakos in their opening Champions League group-stage match.

Goetze, whose extra-time goal allowed Germany to beat Argentina in the World Cup final in Brazil last year, will wear the same embroidered boots again in Saturday's Bundesliga match at Darmstadt.

“Away game at unbeaten Darmstadt and we want three points,” wrote Goetze on his Facebook account.

“I'm gonna play with my #refugeeswelcome shoes again, which will be auctioned at the end of September.”

German champions Bayern have pledged one million euros ($1.1 million) to help the plight of refugees flooding into Germany.

The Bavarian giants are setting up special coaching courses with the City of Munich to provide meals, German lessons and equipment for refugee children.

Around 450,000 refugees have arrived in Germany so far this year with up to one million expected in 2015, according to Germany's Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel.

The majority of the 36 teams in Germany's top two leagues will wear “We're helping! #refugeeswelcome” logos on their shirts this weekend.

The idea is to encourage fans to help, although several second division sides have refused to take part over a dispute with German daily Bild, who initiated the campaign.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
31 Mar, 2025

Not helping

THE continued detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders — including Dr Mahrang Baloch in Quetta and Sammi ...
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...