What do you get when you pair pro-footballer and social advocate? Marcus Rashford 22-year old English pro athlete has joined forces with Burberry to help disadvantaged children and teens.
Rashford has a history of challenging the U.K government in delivering more aid for impoverished youth.
The high-end fashion line will be distributing grants to two youth centers Rashford attended as a child- Norbrook Youth Club and Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre. Burberry will also be supporting arts-after-school non-profit Wide Rainbow in New York and the International Youth Foundation, which works with community leaders and young adults around the world to better the lives of youth through arts and other extracurricular activities.
Burberry has chosen 15 youth centers in London to donate grants to that they intend will help thousands of youth around the world. London youth will use the money for meals and school work while Norbrook will expand their space.
Pam Betty vice president of corporate responsibility at Burberry said in a statement “the organizations were funding is at the heart of so many young people’s lives, We believe, especially now, it is so important to help them empower the emerging change-makers of tomorrow and continue their efforts to sustain and protect the vulnerable,” she said.
Under a campaign- “Ask Marcus” Rashford began to engage with more youth, he wrote a letter to his 10-year-old self pushing…
“I encourage you to dream because sometimes dreams are all you will have. I encourage you to lay your head on the pillow and close your eyes tight and think of better days to come, because luckily for us, our dreams have come true. Would I be the Marcus Rashford you see stood in front of you today if it wasn’t for the hardship and struggle? Simple answer? No. You should never be ashamed to ask for help. Take pride in knowing that your struggle will play the biggest role in your purpose. Never drop your head in shame.”
It is extremely inspiring to see one not only give back to their community though also have such raw vulnerability in honestly expressing how their hardships played a huge role in their success. Rashford works hard both on and off-field delivering his genuine views.
“Supporting communities has long been a part of what Burberry stands for, from our founder Thomas Burberry’s philanthropic efforts, to our current commitments that are making a positive impact on thousands of lives around the world, said Betty
Many are excited to see what this partnership will deliver for youth around the world.
You can read Rashford’s full letter here.
