Being one of the most important brands worldwide gives you a lot of privileges, but also responsibilities which Mercedes-Benz eagerly embraces with its involvement in various social or charitable projects.
One such project is the cooperation with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, an entity that aims to support 150,000 children and young people in China. The goal is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in China through joint sport projects. This step will mark the establishment of the first national Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in Asia.
“Daimler fully embraces and supports the great ways in which Laureus changes the lives of young people. Together with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation we will give by 2016 about 150,000 deprived young people in China a chance and better perspective through sport,” says Hubertus Troska, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Greater China. ” Our local corporate social responsibility activities go even beyond: in 2015 alone we will donate in total 50 million RMB [7.6 million euros] to our comprehensive social programs in China, which clearly demonstrates our commitment to this great country.”
Mercedes-Benz has been involved with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation ever since its inception in 1999, being one of the founding partners. This is the most important involvement in the field of corporate social responsibility for Mercedes-Benz and is established throughout all markets worldwide.
Marking the establishment of the Chinese national foundation, a special edition GLA 260 Laurens was presented prior to Laureus World Sports Awards, which were held in Shanghai on 15 April 2015. Some 16 vehicles, each representing one year of the Laureus Foundation’s existence, are to be auctioned off for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The proceeds are to go to the “Hope School Program”, a new Laureus project in China.
In addition, a chosen AMG customer purchased the 100th SLS AMG GT3 as a Laureus special edition which he then agreed to donate back to the Foundation on top of a bonus considerable donation. The car, sporting a custom blue and white exterior, will be used for additional charitable activity in the future.
Mercedes-Benz is also giving us extra motivation to root for Nico Rosberg, since the “Drive for Good” program sees Mercedes-Benz donate 100 euros to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation for every kilometer Nico will be driving in the lead in any Formula 1 GP this season.
