Erdal Celik, coach of the U12 and U13 teams, together with parents representative Ercan Karabulut, set up a private fundraising campaign. This has also been supported by Reiner Fehl, the parent liaison officer at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre. The call for donations was aimed at families of the Bayer 04 youth players, friends and acquaintances. "We knew from the start that we wanted to help. My family comes from one of the areas affected. Every type of support can be used out there," said Celik.
There was an overwhelming response to the aid programme: "We are grateful for all types of support. The readiness to help is really great within Bayer 04 and there was a massive response for our campaign in general," said the coach with emotion.
With €13,000 plus additional material donations, including winter coats from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Celik and Karabulut set off for the region in Turkey hit by the catastrophe last Monday 13 March. Over five days, the duo visited affected areas to distribute the donations directly in the regions affected. The route covered several cities including Hatay and Gaziantep. "It's difficult to describe what we saw and experienced. It was emotional and dramatic at the same time but it was important for us to be able to support their families out there," declared Karabulut. "We were able to feel the gratitude from the families out there. But we also know that we can only make a small contribution. Nevertheless, we are proud that we got the campaign going," said Karabulut.
A second trip to Turkey to hand over further donations is planned for the summer.
Background:
The first earthquakes were on 6 February 2023 and they affected the south-east of Turkey and the north of Syria. The natural disaster has claimed 50,000 lives to date and it was one of the most serious earthquake disasters of all time. The fundraising campaign by Celik, Karabulut and Fehl continues and donations can be made at any time via the following email addresses:
Erdal Celik: erdal.celik@bayer04.de
Ercan Karabulut: ercankarabulut1975@gmail.com
Just in time for the start of the school year, everyone was hard at work again at NaturGut Ophoven. For the 21st time, Bayer 04 have supported the annual ‘BioBrotbox’ campaign, which puts together a healthy breakfast for first-year primary school pupils in Leverkusen – and not only contributed 1,904 muesli bars but also plenty of enthusiasm too: Together with the U19 players Burak Kir and Clinton Wilson, Emily Wallrabenstein and Paulina Platner from the Women’s Bundesliga team helped with the packing. The latter was clearly delighted “that Bayer 04 are helping out with regional projects like this and showing their commitment to the local community”.
Show more
A group of about 50 members of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visited Leverkusen over the past few days, accompanied by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sergio and Luiz Felipe (managing director of academy in São Paulo) for a week full of football, encounters and very special insights. In addition to the Bundesliga away game in Elversberg and the home game against Union Berlin, the visit also featured a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy in Leverkusen and a tour of the Bayer AG facilities. The guests also gained special insights into the club and the world of Bayer 04.
Show more
The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.
Show more
“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
Show more
