Originally Published by Mastercard.
Mastercard is taking another significant step in its commitment to help combat childhood hunger and malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). For the first time in history, goals made by football icons Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr., will transcend the playing field. Starting today and running until March 2020, each time Messi and/or Neymar Jr. score a goal across any official tournament, the company will donate the equivalent value of 10,000 meals to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
The initiative is part of the company’s Start Something Priceless campaign launched on April 10th, which brought together Messi and Neymar Jr. to kick off the #TogetherWeAre10 social movement. #TogetherWeAre10 was designed to inspire Latin Americans to unite for a common cause: improving the lives of thousands of children suffering from hunger.
The goals scored by Messi and/or Neymar Jr. will now take on a new meaning. Over the next 21 months, each goal represents an opportunity to unleash the power of a meal. “Providing children in Latin America and around the world with access to a nutritious, daily meal ensures better cognitive and physical development,” said Miguel Barreto, regional director, World Food Programme LAC. “Children who aren’t hungry show enhanced performance and concentration at school, which helps them build a better future.”
Goals will be scored both on and off the field. “I’m proud to be a part of this campaign that will help change the lives of thousands of children in my country and other regions of the world. I hope this initiative gives as many smiles as possible to all the children.” Messi said.
“I’m happy I can help make sure that children in the region can have a plate of food and more hope. Latin Americans know we can do great things when we come together, and this is an example of that. Together we can fight hunger,” Neymar Jr. said.
“We hope that through this effort, more children will have the opportunity to become 10s,” they added.
Aside from tuning goals into meals, Mastercard is also encouraging everyone in the region to take part and Start Something Priceless. Each time the hashtag #TogetherWeAre10 is used across social media channels, Mastercard will donate the equivalent value of one meal to the WFP. It’s that simple: each use of #TogetherWeAre10 equals one meal.
“As a long-time supporter of international football, we have deep insight into the power of football and the passion of the football fan. It’s an incredible sport that brings people together, sparks emotion and creates one-of-a-kind moments,” said Janet Rivera-Hernandez, VP Communications, Mastercard LAC. “The #TogetherWeAre10 movement is an example of how companies can do well and do good to drive a more inclusive society.”
Along the 2-year campaign, Mastercard aspires to have made a positive impact in the lives of children in the region by providing more than 10 million meals and supporting the fight against malnutrition across LAC.
