The XXL Children’s Foundation was established in 2013 with funds from XXL operations.
It serves as an open and flexible charitable fund primarily for the benefit of less advantaged children in developing countries.
Donations focus on:
- education in lower school levels by participating in building new schools, in particular in respect of sports grounds and safe play at schools
- charitable orphanages
- childrens participation in sports activities
- the event of extreme disasters, such as natural disasters and war situations
“All Sports United – Sports Unite All” is XXL’s vision and it is also an inspiration for XXL Children’s Foundation.
During the last 10 years the foundation has provided invaluable funding to projects in different parts of the world, supporting children and their families.
Ukraine – Supporting children and families on the run
In 2022 the fund provided warm clothes and sports equipment to the Ukrainian people. It has been done in close cooperation with XXL and partners. The goal has been to help kids and families where it matters the most, inside Ukraine’s borders.
The products have been delivered to Kamianets-Podilskyi in Ukraine, a city with 100,000 habitants that is currently housing many refugees from other parts of the country. It has especially been a need for warm winter clothes during a cold and rough winter. In December 2022, 2,150 baselayer sets for kids and 1,500 jackets were among the donations.
Earlier the same year, in August, the fund donated various types of sports equipment and also chess games.
In total XXL Children’s Foundation has contributed with products worth around NOK 3 million. The products have been shared between refugee camps, youth organizations and a summer camp for children.
Uganda – Building a new school – First Lady School
The fund has been involved in the organization Bring Children from Streets and the project First Lady School, building a school for children in Uganda combining education and sports.
The Norwegian boxer and former world champion Cecilia Brækhus is ambassador for the project. Brækhus was the undisputed female welterweight champion from 2014 to 2020.
The fund supported the project from the start in 2014 and until 2021. Total donations have been worth more than NOK 4 million.
In addition to the school building, and playing grounds around the school, the fund has also supported investments in agricultural machinery that are also being used to serve the local community with corn.
Brazil – Projecto UERE
In 2016 the fund donated USD 125,000 to Projecto UERE helping children in the favela of Maré in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An additional USD 100,000 was donated the year after.
Founder Yvonne Bezerra de Mello has devoted her life to help and take care of children living on the streets. The funds from XXL Children’s Foundation have been used to deliver food and medications, school supplies and books and also to employ new teachers.
Soccer is the heart and soul of the Brazilian people and some of the funds were used to operate the UERE soccer team. The donations were handed over by the Brazilian soccer player Ronaldinho along with team jerseys and sports equipment.
Nepal – Supporting rescue teams after the earthquake
In 2015 XXL Children’s Foundation focused on the immediate rescue operations after the earthquake in Nepal by donating 1,200 sleeping bags, 1,000 sleeping mats and 170 tents for a total value of NOK 750,000.
Lesbos – Donations to the refugees
In 2015 the fund also donated 694 waterproof boots for children and 1,500 pair of warm socks to the refugees at Lesbos – Greece.