Bringing Children’s Eyes to Shine – This became a heartfelt mission for Toni Kroos in 2014. When the German national football player visited seriously ill children in a hospital in Madrid, he decided to actively help young patients in Germany as well. Not just with donations, but by supporting personally selected projects, maintaining direct contact with families, and fulfilling children’s heartfelt wishes. The idea for the Toni Kroos Foundation was born. We think it’s fantastic and would like to share more about it with you.
On June 2, 2015, the foundation officially began its purely charitable work. Since then, Toni Kroos, together with a dedicated team, has been helping children and adolescents with severe health impairments, as well as their families, to cope with their challenging daily lives. This specifically means financing costly therapies that are not always covered by health insurance, but also making leisure experiences possible—offering a long-awaited break from the usual environment of children’s hospitals or hospices.
THE PROJECTS OF THE TONI KROOS FOUNDATION
Currently, the Toni Kroos Foundation supports three facilities in Germany: the Regenbogenland Children’s Hospice in Düsseldorf, the Sonnenhof Children’s and Youth Hospice in Berlin, and the Children’s Clinic Amsterdamer Straße in Cologne. Toni Kroos is personally familiar with every project his foundation supports and every wish submitted to the foundation. He even tries to be present in person. Young patients and their families are given opportunities to visit football stadiums and go on trips. Additionally, events are organized, and essential supplies are provided to ease everyday life, such as disability-friendly home modifications.
LOTTE’S BREAK BY THE SEA
One of the many touching stories of children supported by the Toni Kroos Foundation is that of Lotte from Berlin. The girl suffers from an incurable neuromuscular disease, requires machine-assisted breathing, and can barely move on her own. Her first vacation in four years was meant to provide her entire family with a break from their daily struggles. But just before the trip, Lotte had to undergo spinal surgery, and the dream of a seaside getaway was at risk due to the now necessary and expensive medical transport.
Through the Björn Schulz Foundation, Lotte’s parents learned about Toni Kroos’ commitment to sick children and reached out to his foundation, which then financed the transport from Berlin to the North Sea.
This allowed Lotte to exchange the hospital setting she is usually confined to for a shared room with her brother in a holiday apartment. She was finally able to see seagulls and experience the joy of collecting seashells and amber on the beach. These beautiful vacation memories gave the entire family strength for their daily lives.
A STAIRLIFT FOR INESSA
At just nine years old, Inessa has already faced tremendous challenges. Since birth, she has been receiving treatment at the Children’s Clinic Amsterdamer Straße in Cologne due to developmental disorders and a complicated brain surgery. Inessa’s family had to move to Erftstadt because they couldn’t afford a home in Cologne that met her needs. However, the new house still required modifications.
A major contribution to Inessa’s independence was made by the Toni Kroos Foundation, which financed a stairlift, fulfilling her wish to access her room whenever she wanted.
FOOTBALL FESTIVAL IN THE CHILDREN’S CLINIC
Like most of Germany, the patients at the Children’s Clinic Amsterdamer Straße in Cologne were excitedly following the 2016 European Championship. The highlight for the young patients was the third group stage match against Ireland. Not only could they watch Toni Kroos and his teammates on the big screen, but they also enjoyed a cheerful celebration organized by the foundation.
The event included a clown, face painting, a dancing bear, a child-friendly buffet, and frozen yogurt. The excitement peaked when Toni Kroos personally sent a video message to the young guests, wishing them lots of fun.
We think Toni Kroos’ commitment is truly inspiring, and we also want to contribute to improving the lives of sick children. That’s why we support the Toni Kroos Foundation financially.
Here’s how you can help with your donation.