Etas project in Zimbabwe: the Roger Federer Foundation is spending some CHF80,000 a year on the project to improve the infrastructure of 8 schools, as well as investing in teacher training and the quality of education for about 2,000 children in the Matopo region.

Basel and Zurich, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – Roger Federer has signed a 10-year contract with Swiss bank Credit Suisse, for an undisclosed sum, the bank announced Monday 16 November. Federer, on his web site, notes that “As part of the partnership agreement, Credit Suisse will make a significant annual contribution to the Roger Federer Foundation, which is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and to promoting education, sports and play, particularly in Africa.” The foundation was inspired by Federer’s South African mother and currently states on its web site that its capital is CHF4 million.

The bank’s CEO, Brady Dougan, did not stint in his enthusiastic praise of the Swiss tennis star:

“Credit Suisse is delighted and proud to be associating ourselves closely with Roger Federer – one of the greatest tennis players of all time, known and admired worldwide. Our decision to enter into a long-term partnership is driven by the fact that Roger represents the values that we embrace as a bank. He has a passion for excellence and is a great player. He has achieved this through a combination of hard work and determination. He brings all of his talent to bear in his play and raises the level of his game to meet the challenge in even the most trying of circumstances. At the same time he sets an example for responsible conduct both on and off the court. We also particularly share his passion for giving back to the community through his sponsoring of educational initiatives and look forward to supporting his charitable foundation.”

Federer’s list of sponsors, in addition to Credit Suisse: Gillette, Lindt, Nike, Mercedes Benz, Rolex. Federer offers them one of the most popular sports stars today, and he offers them a chance to appear in a beneficial light, donating to charity, during an economic slump.

The Financial Times 13 November ran a story on charity-linked sponsorship by multinationals, cautioning that there can be problems for both sides, pointing to the case of Swiss company Montblanc, which was sharply criticized in October for lauching a $23,000 commemorate pen for Mahatma Gandhi’s 140th birthday, even though the company had approval from Gandhi’s great-grandson and it contributed a lump sum and some proceeds to a charity.

Federer’s agreement in October with Swiss chocolate maker Lindt to become their ambassador was the first time in over 160 years that the family company had linked its name to that of a celebrity.

Links to other sites: AP, E-tas.ch (English Teachers of Switzerland), Financial Times (2 November interview with American Dougan in Zurich), Lindt and GenevaLunch feature on Dougan in Geneva, 16 May  2008, Roger Federer Foundation

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.