Nearly 6,000 Euro at the half-way point

Wolfsburg - In order to help children in Colombia, Maik Franz is auctioning off thirty signed jerseys between June 13 and June 29. The time is half over and the results can be seen: By Monday afternoon (20.06.05) the fans had pledged 5,922 Euro. For Mike Franz an "outstanding" number, especially considering that the VfL defender had hoped to bring in a total of 3,000 Euro, that is, little more than half of what has actually come in. The most popular jersey is that of Hamburg’s Benjamin Lauth (400 Euro), followed by the uniform of Dortmund’s Christoph Metzelder (351 Euro).

This charity drive is the first part of a campaign called "Step by Step", with which Franz intends to give long-term support to projects helping to enable poor children in Colombia to obtain a school education.

"We young players have it good..."

In order to round up the most money possible, Franz asked numerous colleagues from the first, second and third leagues to send him signed jerseys. The sports magazine kicker supports the campaign, contributions can be made HERE! The Vorfelde Lions Club is also participating in the drive and has set up a account for donations: Nord/LB Vorsfelde, Lions-Club Vorsfelde, "Step by Step", Kto. 199 953 795, BLZ 250 500 00

The inspiration for Franz's engagement was a trip to the monies with his colleague Carlos Vaz. The two friends watched "Million Dollar Baby", which tells the story of a female boxer who fights her way from the bottom to the top, illustrating the social and economic inequality in the world. "Young players like me have it good", observed Franz, "That’s we should help others who are not so fortunate."