Djokovic and wife, Jelena donate 1 million euros to coronavirus victims in Serbia

leyeaduloju in News 27 Mar 2020
Novak Djokovic (PA Sport)

Serbian great, Novak Djokovic and wife, Jelena are donating one million euros worth of medical equipment to help Serbia fight against the coronavirus outbreak.

The funds have been donated through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, and will be used to purchase ventilators and medical equipment for hospitals and healthcare institutions in the country.

“Over the past few days, we used our contacts with different companies from China and Europe to understand all options we have for procuring the necessary equipment – primarily ventilators”, said world No. 1, Djokovic.

“Through the Novak Djokovic Foundation, we will donate a million euros for purchasing ventilators, and our team will be overseeing the whole thing and ensure that there are no problems”, he continued.

Djokovic was full of praise for the medical workers who have been caring for the victims of the coronavirus, while calling on everyone who can help to join the foundation in raising funds for those affected by the virus. The 17-time Grand Slam champion revealed that a special account will be opened for the fundraiser.

“The fight is not easy, numbers are not pleasant, but I am convinced that we will manage to make it out of this stronger than before. It is important to remain united in this fight, to help each other, so we can defeat this virus faster and easier”.

“We would like to use this opportunity to invite everyone else to join us and help numerous families and people who need help to survive and get healthy again”, the 32-year-old said via Zoom chat, attended by several local media outlets.

Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, who is also a co-founder of the foundation, described the fight against the coronavirus as a marathon and not a speed race, explaining that all is being done to ensure that the medical equipment arrive Serbia as quickly as possible.

“What has become clear to us is that this situation is going to be a marathon, rather than a speed race, and it would be good for us to rationally and strategically utilize both our strength and resources to be able to push through to the very end”, she said.

Jelena, who also doubles as the Global Director of the foundation, reiterated her husband’s call for more people to join in raising funds for those affected by the virus.

“The Novak Djokovic Foundation team will be available to all companies that want to donate money, because we are only at the beginning of our journey, all in this together, and it will take us so much time and resources until we can say that we have defeated this invisible enemy”.