As part of the international #HublotLovesFootball campaign and in conjunction with Hublot's presence in Brazil at the FIFA World Cup™ as "Official Timekeeper" and "Official Watch, on 27th June Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, joined Pelé, and the children came together in the heart of the Jacarezinho favela in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate a new football pitch.
Hublot wanted to take part in a community action which would directly benefit Brazilians, and in particular those living in Rio de Janeiro, where the brand has set up its Hublot
Palace HQ for the duration of the FIFA World Cup™.
One year ago, the beginnings of an idea were sketched out. To do something for the children, which could also benefit the community as a whole, build something that will make a lasting contribution, and at the same time to make a connection with football, the reason for Hublot's presence in Rio during the World Cup.
"We are creative,” said Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe. “The social aspect is important. With our success, we also care for others. We are in the luxury business but we believe in giving back, specifically for the children. We are an inspirational brand. If they study and work hard, they should be able to succeed."
After initial contact with the Department of Social Assistance and Human Rights, led by the strong commitment of Deputado Estadual, Pedro Henrique Fernandes da Silva, Jacarezinho, the third densest Favela in Rio de Janeiro was chosen primarily because it had the perfect space to refurbish a football pitch. But, more important, it was next to the school giving the space strong influence on the children.
Everything started to happen very quickly and organically. The architecture firms FGMF & Rosenbaum were chosen to partner in the project, coach the kids through creative development programs, and assist in developing a relationship with the community. The first mission was to name the project, calling it Tamo Junto Jacarezinho, Together Jacarezinho.
Hublot was the driving force for this project, and donated funds to ensure its realisation, resulting in a concrete project which mobilised an entire community in need, and which will stand for many years to come.
