Soccer Balls Collected by Fans for Families in Need

180 new or like-new soccer balls were delivered to needy families by the fans of the Ferencváros (FTC) – Debrecen (DVSC) first division match and Provident employees in the framework of a joint voluntary initiative of Provident Financial Ltd. and FTC.

The collected sports items will be distributed to children of disadvantaged families with the help of the Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) organization, thus helping them to indulge in their favorite sport and to feel the importance of belonging to the community through team play.

Fans attending the FTC-DVSC match were encouraged to bring new or like-new balls that could be used to help children from disadvantaged families play sport. Those who didn't have one at home could buy one at a discounted price at the FTC stadium, where they could drop them off at a dedicated collection point.

According to 2023 data by the Central Statistical Office (KSH), there are more than 38,000 families in Hungary with at least one disadvantaged child. With the current ball collection campaign, Provident Financial Ltd. and the sports club are targeting them. With its initiative, the financial service provider aims to bring a ball to as many families as possible, which is not just an object, but also an experience and, more importantly, an opportunity for sport and a healthy life.

"As regular supporters of the Ferencváros club, we are proud of this successful initiative, and it is also a great pleasure that our own employees have enthusiastically joined the collection. At Provident, we are committed to social responsibility and teamwork.  In our everyday work, we often see that there are families where even buying a football can be beyond their budget, so we are glad that we could do something to give more families in need the chance to experience the joy and love of playing sports", Márta Pálfalvi, Director of Corporate Relations and Communications at Provident Financial Ltd. said.

Provident Financial Ltd. organizes a number of volunteer initiatives every year, for example, in April they planted trees in Budakeszi Wildlife Park together with FTC.

"The donations from our partners are coming at the right time for the sports activities organized throughout the year for children in need in our institutions, as well as for our upcoming summer camp programs. Thanks to our supporters, our little champions will also get the chance to score winning goals. Not only in matches at our centers, but also off the pitch, in life, thanks to our development activities," HIA Director of Communications, Kristóf Gáncs said as he accepted the donations.