We stand with Ukraine: solidarity initiative gathered stars

André Almeida, Jan Vertonghen, Tomás Araújo, Paulo Bernardo and Gonçalo Ramos joined this afternoon, March 9, the volunteers participating in the solidarity initiative promoted by Benfica Foundation and SIC Esperança with the purpose of taking essential goods to Ukraine.

In the logistics operation that runs until this Thursday, March 10, at Estádio da Luz, where it has been organized and prepared to send the goods collected in 120 points around the country (namely 75 Casas Benfica, 20 Benfica Soccer Schools, 5 official stores and 20 IPSS), 75 volunteers participate daily, divided into three shifts, who received reinforcements from the professional football team.

Jan Vertonghen, in statements with BTV, expressed his satisfaction with the way the process is organized. "It's great that people are here to help. It's a bad situation, everyone should try to help. Football is more than just a game, it's good for everyone to seek a better world. There are many people who need help. It's a good cause and great to be able to do it at Benfica", he said.

"We are organizing everything. The food is arriving, and we put it in the different boxes for Ukraine. People split up quickly, easily, we don't waste any time, and all help is needed. If you go shopping, put something else aside to help", he challenged, aiming to increase the nearly 100 tons of goods already collected, part of which were, on Tuesday, March 8, organized by volunteers such as Rui Costa, President of SL Benfica, Fernando Seara, President of the General Assembly, Luisão, technical director and performance of professional football, and Carlos Moia, Executive President of the Benfica Foundation.