Playing Together for RS: Solidarity Campaign Raises Over USD 4.9 Million

Since the end of April, Rio Grande do Sul has been facing one of the worst environmental disasters in its history. Intense rains and floods have resulted in deaths, disappearances, and many displaced families. In response to this calamity, the campaign Playing Together for RS, an initiative by the Rio Grande do Sul-based company Imply®, brought together CBF, State Federations, Football Clubs, companies like Autopass, AMBEV, Betano, Teleperformance, and Brazilians nationwide to support those affected.

United in Solidarity: Over R$29.5 million and 1.6 tons in donations raised

The campaign raised monetary donations through a platform specially developed by Imply® and engaged influential names like Ednaldo Rodrigues, Dorival Júnior, Neymar, Vini Jr, and Endrick, with promotions published on CBF’s social media channels. The organization donated R$1 million and also mobilized its sponsors. Ambev provided the Zé Delivery platform, which has 6 million users, to amplify the campaign’s visibility. The platform raised R$2,553,742.18.

Additionally, CIMED offered R$1 million worth of medications to the Rio Grande do Sul government. “The CBF and the Brazilian National Team stand in solidarity with the pain experienced by the people of Rio Grande do Sul due to the flood tragedy,” said CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues.

Thanks to Brazilian solidarity, more than 1.6 tons of essential items such as drinking water, non-perishable food, clothing, footwear, hygiene, and cleaning products were collected. These donations were organized by Autopass at São Paulo Metro stations and the São Paulo Metropolitan Train Company, as well as by Teleperformance. Transported by Trânsito Brasil and distributed by Rotary Club, they reached impacted families in Rio Grande do Sul.

The organizations also held the Solidarity Football event. The charitable event, organized by CBF, TV Globo, Flamengo, the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro, Jogo das Estrelas, and Imply Tecnologia, brought together sports stars and artists to raise donations for families affected by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul. The Solidarity Football event in Domingão gathered over 30,000 people at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro on the last Sunday of May to watch the match. All the funds raised from the R$26 million in ticket sales were donated to the Central Única de Favelas (Cufa) and converted into donations for Rio Grande do Sul.

Concrete Support: Funds Transformed into Direct Actions

The R$2,553,742.18 raised was entirely allocated to reconstruction and recovery efforts for the affected communities, including:

• Reconstruction of five community bridges with the provision of materials and labor in Sinimbu, RS, through the NGO Foco Empreendedor.
• Reconstruction of lifeguard stations with the provision of materials and labor in Vale Verde, through Rotary.
• Partial reconstruction of the Environmental Police (Patram) building in Rio Pardo, through Rotary.
• 532 refrigerators, 532 stoves, and 532 mattresses distributed to meet the emergency needs of affected families. These items were delivered through Rotary Club Santa Cruz do Sul Tipuanas to families impacted by the floods in Porto Alegre, Canoas, Eldorado, Lajeado, and Santa Cruz do Sul.
• Equipment for the Climate Resilience Center in the city of Encantado, through Rotary.
• Equipment for a dental clinic affected by the floods in General Câmara, through Rotary.
• IT equipment for schools and public offices in Sinimbu, through Rotary.
• Equipment for a municipal daycare center in Sinimbu, through Rotary.
• Renovation of the headquarters and donation of equipment to CASIS (Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services) in Sinimbu, through the NGO Foco Empreendedor.

The idea of centralizing such a wide array of initiatives originated from Imply Tecnologia CEO, Tironi Paz Ortiz. From the onset of the weather event, Imply® provided helicopters and teams for rescue operations, along with donations of essential supplies like medicines, food, and generators to isolated regions via helicopter. “In the face of one of the worst environmental disasters Rio Grande do Sul has ever faced, we were reminded of the true spirit of solidarity and unity that defines the Brazilian people. We want to express our profound gratitude to everyone who joined this cause. Your generosity and joint efforts have resulted in significant impact, providing concrete help to affected families. To all who contributed in any way, we extend our sincerest thanks. The Playing Together for RS campaign demonstrated the incredible strength of Brazilian solidarity, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to support our communities,” stated Tironi.