WEAR TO CARE: FASHION WITH HEART AND PURPOSE
In a world of fleeting trends and fast fashion, Austrian fashion label Sportalm is making a stand for conscious consumerism with its heartfelt new initiative: "WEAR TO CARE". More than just a campaign, it’s a call to action—encouraging shoppers to rethink their habits, embrace meaningful choices, and give back to those in need.
A LEGACY OF LOVE AND SUPPORT
For Sportalm, giving back isn’t a marketing ploy—it’s woven into the very fabric of their story. In 2008, Managing Director Ulli Ehrlich faced a life-altering tragedy when her husband, and father to her four sons Lorenz, Victor, Felix, and Xaver, passed away unexpectedly. Out of this immense loss grew a profound purpose: to honor his memory by creating opportunities for children in need.
Partnering with the Tyrolean-founded NGO "Kindern eine Chance e.V.", led by Gabi Ziller and Stefan Pleger, Ulli and her family established the Alex Mair School in Uganda. Today, the school provides education, food, and shelter to 600 children, serving as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and commitment.
In spring 2024, Ulli Ehrlich and her sons traveled together to Uganda to expand their support for the NGO. During this visit, the family celebrated the opening of a brand-new kindergarten, an extension of the Alex Mair School. This milestone reflects the family’s deep dedication to ensuring that even the youngest children have access to safe spaces to learn and grow.
“Our journey to Uganda was incredibly moving,” says Ehrlich. “Seeing the children’s smiles and knowing we’re contributing to their futures was unforgettable. It reminds us why giving back is so vital.”
Ulli Ehrlich sincerely thanks her partners and customers for their generous support and numerous donations, which make all of this possible.
In spring 2024, Ulli Ehrlich and her sons traveled together to Uganda to expand their support for the NGO. During this visit, the family celebrated the opening of a brand-new kindergarten, an extension of the Alex Mair School. This milestone reflects the family’s deep dedication to ensuring that even the youngest children have access to safe spaces to learn and grow.
“Our journey to Uganda was incredibly moving,” says Ehrlich. “Seeing the children’s smiles and knowing we’re contributing to their futures was unforgettable. It reminds us why giving back is so vital.”
Ulli Ehrlich sincerely thanks her partners and customers for their generous support and numerous donations, which make all of this possible.
Sportalm supports the ‘Kindern eine Chance’ association
The ‘Kindern eine Chance’ association gives children in Uganda an opportunity for education. ‘We are convinced that we can make a difference.’ With this vision, Tyrolean Gabi Ziller and Stefan Pleger founded the charitable organisation ‘Children a Chance’ in 2008. The organisation supports disadvantaged children in Uganda. In many rural areas of the country, there is insufficient access to education. The organisation now runs 12 primary schools and kindergartens in cooperation with the local population. 2008 was also a year of change for the Ehrlich family. When Ulli Ehrlich's husband and father of their four sons died in an accident, the Alex Mair School in Uganda was founded in his honour and memory. Today, 600 children are accommodated here and provided with food and education. Thanks to the initiative of the organisation, over 2000 children are provided with food, education and, in some cases, a place to live.
Charity project for the anniversary
Sportalm's 70th anniversary celebration provided the occasion to expand the school to include a kindergarten. Instead of gifts, the Ehrlich family wanted donations for the construction of an adjoining kindergarten.
The guests and the Sportalm company itself were generous and so the four sons Lorenz, Victor, Felix and Xaver presented a cheque worth 55,000 euros to the ‘Children a Chance’ association. When the children's garden opened at the beginning of 2024, Ulli Ehrlich travelled to Uganda with her four sons and her daughter Mona. It was an emotional journey that deepened the appreciation for projects like this one.
You too can help:
www.kinderneinechance.at
www.kinderneinechance.at
Information about the organisation
KINDERN EINE CHANCE has been trying to improve the living conditions of young people in Uganda since 2008. In central Uganda - in the districts of Mityana, Mubende, Kasanda, Gomba and Mpigi - the organisation runs thirteen kindergartens, nine primary schools and three vocational secondary schools as well as several training workshops and training farms. In addition, more than 500 children are taught and receive therapeutic treatment in six schools specialising in children with disabilities, and there is also a separate school for deaf children and young people. The association differs from other aid organisations in that it works purely on a voluntary basis in Austria, which means that every euro of donations really does reach Uganda. (Source: osgs.at)
You too can help:
www.kinderneinechance.at
Support for SOS Children's Village
Sportalm supports children and young people in SOS Children's Villages families and residential groups with a donation of 5,000 euros. With the #GivingTuesday campaign, the amount of 5,000 euros was collected within four days.
The decision to donate is part of Sportalm's corporate responsibility. Principles that aim to take responsibility towards society and our common future.