SAN JOSE, Calif.--Brazilian and FC Barcelona soccer star Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior with his Neymar Jr. Project Institute is joining forces with PayPal to bring clean water to communities in need across Brazil, through Waves for Water. The program asks people around the world to “compete” on behalf of their countries to contribute the most to this important cause, funded via PayPal.
The campaign, which begins today and ends July 13, will enable anyone with a PayPal account to help provide tens of thousands of Brazilians with access to clean water through their generous donations. Access to clean water is a precursor to any economic development plan. Despite Brazil’s vast economic growth, the country is still home to many thousands for whom clean water is a luxury.
It is a cause close to Neymar Jr.’s heart. While he enjoys the adulation of millions worldwide, he recognizes his good luck and fortune. His Neymar Jr. Project Institute has a track record of supporting Waves for Water and other charitable endeavors in his home country and promotes community education and physical activity facilities that afford access to culture and sport for young people.
“I am extremely proud to work with PayPal to support Waves for Water,” said Neymar Jr. “It deeply saddens me that so many people from my home country of Brazil have limited access to clean water, a gift so many of us take for granted. Through this campaign I hope we can touch people’s lives in a meaningful way and raise enough funds to bring safe, clean water to communities in need across my beloved Brazil.”
Waves for Water is an NGO that raises funds to purchase clean water filters for distribution to communities in need. As part of this campaign, consumers can donate on behalf of any of the thirty two countries that will be competing in Brazil this summer to win bragging rights as the country that raises the most funds to support Waves for Water. PayPal will enable consumers in these countries to make contributions quickly, easily and in a secure way.
Additionally, between June 12-22, fans can head to eBay.com to bid on soccer gear signed by Neymar Jr., with all proceeds benefitting Waves for Water. The exclusive eBay auction includes items such as soccer balls and cleats, flat brim hats and Brazil National and Barcelona jerseys – all signed by Neymar Jr. with free global shipping.
Here in the U.S., not only will people be able to donate at http://us.competitionforgood.com, but they’ll also be able to support Waves for Water right through the PayPal app when they order ahead from their favorite Eat24 restaurants. Starting June 12, when a customer orders ahead through the PayPal app, PayPal will make a $3 donation on their behalf.
“This summer soccer fans worldwide will join together for one of the greatest displays of global camaraderie we have and we wanted to design a clean water project that would reflect that. With Brazilian star player, Neymar Jr., and the Neymar Jr. Project Institute advocating for us we really couldn't have asked for a better partner than PayPal to bring this project to life,” said Jon Rose, Founder of Waves for Water. “Their global network is the perfect stage to rally the masses and get people all over the world behind this cause.”
"PayPal is committed to building a worldwide network for good that inspires everyone to take action," said Carey Kolaja, Vice President of Global Product Solutions, PayPal. "We couldn't be more proud to work with international sports superstar Neymar Jr., his Institute and Waves for Water to power the people economy through supporting a cause that will make a real difference in the lives of thousands in Brazil.”
The funds raised in each participating country will be used to buy water filters that will be distributed in the cities where the thirty two national teams will play. To make a donation, visit: http://www.competitionforgood.com
About Waves for Water
Waves for Water works on the front lines to provide clean water to communities in need around the world. In addition to their primary focus around clean water, the organization has coordinated strategic disaster relief efforts throughout the world and works directly with world leaders and strategic partners who take a no-nonsense attitude toward making global change. http://www.wavesforwater.org
About Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr.
The Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr. is a non-profit and private organization dedicated to social causes. It is an educational and sports complex in Jardim da Glória, Praia Grande, in service of needy children and their families. All activities will be held in the complex located in an area belonging to the city hall in a concession system for 30 years, to be renewed for 30 more. The complex is 8,400 square feet and will serve about 2,300 children between 7 and 14 years old. The children’s parents or relatives will also receive attention, allowing us to reach out to 10 thousand people initially. The Institute will be built with its own resources and private sponsorship. The activities will benefit from natural and legal people’s tax incentives as well as from spontaneous donations in order to give the community what Neymar Jr. couldn’t enjoy within the space he grew up in. http://www.wavesforwater.org/project/sede-de-vencer
About PayPal
At PayPal, we put people at the center of everything we do. Founded in 1998, we continue to be at the forefront of the digital payments revolution, giving people direct control over their money. Through our innovations, we make life better for our over 148 million active accounts in 26 currencies and across 193 markets, processing more than 9 million payments daily. An eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY) company, PayPal is the faster, safer way to pay and get paid. The service gives people simpler ways to send money without sharing financial information, and with the flexibility to pay using their account balances, bank accounts or credit cards.
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