Ever at the forefront of innovative corporate social responsibility thinking, the Sharks have launched the “Forever Fans” initiative in conjunction Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa and will play in a special jersey this weekend to show their support for organ donation.
The theme of “legacy” is a key one when it comes to this program. The Sharks have done a huge amount of good work in the past, wearing special jerseys to raise money for cancer research or blue armbands to raise awareness about autism, but the goal of the Forever Fans campaign is to create something lasting that will benefit people long after the current group of players and administrators have moved on.
With KZN lagging behind other provinces in terms of committed organ donor numbers, every member of the Sharks squad has themselves signed up to the register, knowing that each could potentially save up to seven other lives by donating their organs once they die. All their fans are challenged to do so and it’s hoped that this weekend’s game against the Crusaders, played in a unique collector’s edition jersey, will give the drive a major boost, with plenty of new names added to the register.
“We are proud to be able to launch a campaign of this magnitude, which aims to save and change lives as well as leave a lasting legacy not only for our fans but the communities we serve, ” said CEO John Smit.
“Everyone associated with The Sharks has bought into the project and our hope is that our fans embrace the campaign and the message we want to extend. Our legacy is to ensure that the black and white heartbeat lives on forever and this campaign goes a long way in us trying to achieve that.”
In an added bonus for fans (and for ODF) the limited edition match jerseys will be auctioned off after the match to raise funds.
23 limited edition #ForeverFans jerseys will be worn against the Crusaders then auctioned off after the match. pic.twitter.com/b5tfZDwFRe
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) March 31, 2015
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Great title.
Well done Sharks
Red and white vs the crusaders, am I the only one seeing a problem here? Good initiative though!
I’ve never gotten around to signing up as an organ donor. This is a needed kick in the pants.
@Seth101 (Comment 3) : I think you are. The crusaders play in red. We’ll play in white. The scope for confusion is only as large as you allow it to be 🙂
@vanmartin (Comment 4) : I’m one. Go do it!
I will also be going to sign up. #Proud #ForeverFans
April Fools
@blesbok007 (Comment 8) : Don’t think this is something Rob or The Sharks would joke about
I like the jersey nice difference
@Die Kriek (Comment 9): Watch this space.
@Die Kriek (Comment 9) : @blesbok007 (Comment 11) : I think Blesbok is under the impression that he is commenting on the cycling team page and not the organ donor page.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 12) : Very possible
Sorry, I retract my previous comments. I’m a bit deur die [email protected]
@blesbok007 (Comment 14) : 😆 😆 😆
Great idea great move great cause
A facebook page to go like – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sanzar-Super-Rugby-is-a-Joke/363024740488902?sk=likes
Absolutely love it, would have loved to get my hands on one of those
Great initiative! I’m already an organ donor, but the jerseys looks pretty cool. Pretty sure the Crusaders will wear their silver jerseys.
Good cause…I have this discussion with congregation members whenever I get the chance…
Well done Sharks.
Team announced
Lambie Cpt
Bothma rests which is a small surprise but maybe a rest was needed
Franco Marais on the bench, other than that no surprises….
Hopefully one or 2 of these subs will not be used.
🙄 Matt Stevens on the bench in place of Adriaanse 😥
Adriaanse was just starting to get some form of late 🙄 man this is one change I am not for, I can understand if Jannie was injured 👿
@sharks_lover (Comment 24) : You just can’t resist it, can you?!
Sbura is still out of favour too, but I can understand the coaching staff not wanting to make to many changes in midfield with Steyn being done in for 5 weeks.
@Pokkel (Comment 27) :
No
@Pokkel (Comment 27) : You have a problem with it?
@sharks_lover (Comment 30) : I reckon it would be nice if you gave Rob more than 5 minutes to get an article up. He does have a day job after all.
Pokkel No one is rushing Rob, so back off, I put it there to see what I was saying, there is more than enough time to edit!!!
I am getting a little tired of all the know it all’s.
well good news – you now have not one but TWO team announcement threads to comment on. You can’t say we don’t aim to please.
@robdylan (Comment 34) : Thanks Rob will post on both threads to be fair to both authors
@sharks_lover (Comment 35) : you’re a true believer 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 36) : I try 😉
Just threw up in my mouth a little…
@Big Fish (Comment 38) : MAke sure you have a upset tummy when you do that. 😉
@robdylan (Comment 36) : Look Rob I know we have us a click in here and blogging is meant to be fun and, etc etc etc, but wont bore you with the details…….
Have a good one Cheers. 😉
How does the jersey look like
@Gerriecellcshark (Comment 41) : there’s a picture of it in the article
Would love one of them!
@Ice (Comment 43) : If I had the money I’d bid for one of them fo sho!