Panerai’s soul lies deep in social causes. On announcing that MS Dhoni is their brand ambassador for the Indian subcontinent, the Italian luxury watch manufacturer swiftly organised a Charity Football Match titled ‘Heroes For A Cause’ starring the cricketer.
The business-cum-charity event entailed a charity match followed by a watch auction, with the proceeds going towards SOS Children’s Villages of India, a self-implementing child care NGO.
St. Stanislaus football grounds in Mumbai’s Bandra vicinity played host to the event where two teams participated wholeheartedly in support of the cause. While MS Dhoni was the showstopper, a plethora of sports influencers from the country, semi-professional women footballer players and Panerai’s esteemed clients graced the occasion.
Dhoni worn the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 42mm PAM0068 during the match, which was later auctioned. In a heart-warming gesture, children from the NGO were invited and got the opportunity to meet Dhoni.
Commenting on the occasion, Panerai’s Brand Director for the Middle East and India, Gaby Bitarian said, “We at Panerai strongly believe that a happy childhood is a key pillar to a better future. Panerai’s stands for innovative instruments empowering contemporary heroes, and today, we celebrate those young contemporary heroes who started life with obstacles but do not hesitate to overcome them. We are extremely thankful for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s endorsement of this initiative and for supporting the brand in its cause generally. I think it means a lot to the children to meet their idol, and I hope it gives them and their brothers and sisters at SOS Villages India boosted support in their everyday struggle for a better future.”
Brand ambassador and cricket superstar Mahendra Singh Dhoni added, “This is indeed a very thoughtful initiative by Panerai and it was my pleasure to have been a part of this beautiful sporting event. Childcare is an extremely important aspect of a country’s development and I congratulate SOS Children’s Villages of India on the great work that they have been doing to support the children. I look forward to more noble cause-driven partnerships with Panerai in the future.”
Further adding to the association, Ms. Anuja Bansal, Secretary General, SOS Children’s Villages of India, said, “Associating with a brand like Panerai, which is meant for real heroes, is indeed a matter of pride for us. We need continuous support towards the cause of 20 million parentless and abandoned children in India. On behalf of SOS Children’s Villages of India, I want to thank M.S. Dhoni for supporting the cause, the winner of the auction and all those who have come forward to support our children. Time is precious and ticking. We need to utilise it for making our children’s lives fulfilling and contribute towards nation building.”
