Since the start of the current season, ONE Insurance has been the official arm sponsor of 1. FC Union Berlin. Even in such a short space of time, this partnership has started to make an impact off the pitch. 

The insurance company handed over a donation yesterday (22.01) to the Union foundation and to the charity of Neven Subotic. Both foundations were given 80,000 euros each — made up from bonuses from the insurer, which were donated by ONE’s customers to a good cause.

“We are very impressed that so many of our customers decided their collected bonus points should go to the foundations of Neven Subotic and 1. FC Union Berlin,” said Oliver Lang, CEO of ONE. “It’s nice to see our efforts to make our customers’ lives safer are bearing the fruits and that together we can give something back in other areas.”

“Ever since the foundation was set up three years ago, we have received a lot of support and have been able to successfully launch a number of projects. With this donation, the starting signal “Bolzplatz Heroes” in the neighbourhood is going ahead earlier than planned,” explained Union veteran Michael Parensen, who sits on the board of trustees with our foundation “UNION VEREINT. Schulter an Schulter”.

The foundation is planning pilot project near the Otto-Hahn School in Neukölln under the name "Bolzplatz Helden". 1. FC Union Berlin works with the school in an educational partnership and the Union foundation is actively involved in promoting the learning of their pupils. With the aim of creating lasting experiences for the young people in the area, and conveying values such as cohesion and self-determination, social and educational support is also planned on top of the new football pitch.

Jochen Lesching, Chairman of the Board at 1. FC Union Berlin’s foundation, expressed his gratitude to ONE: “With the work we’re doing, we are pursuing the goal of giving something back to society through the power of football. Such a donation like this shows our values are well received by the club’s sponsors.”

The other donation to the Neven Subotic Foundation will assist the construction of wells and sanitary facilities in Ethiopia. “Neven is not only an excellent footballer, but also a committed person who uses his high status as a footballer to make our world a bit better. His foundation work has impressed us and we are happy to contribute towards it,” added Alexander Huber, CMO of ONE Insurance.

Subotic was in attendance as the donation was presented at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. He said: "I'm really pleased our foundation's work is receiving such attention and appreciation. There are currently 785 million people worldwide who have no access to basic drinking water. With the 80,000 euros, we are specifically ensuring that around 2,000 people in Ethiopia have permanent access to clean drinking water and hygenic conditions fitting for humans. What makes me particularly happy is that the money comes from many people who could have used it themselves. Instead, they decided to share it with others who need it more urgently. Thank you very much for that."