With this year's edition of the Zipfelmenschen, PENNY is setting an example for more tolerance and cosmopolitanism in sport. We spoke to PENNY COO Stefan Görgens about the background.
With this year's edition of the Zipfelmenschen, PENNY is taking a stand against homophobia in football and other sports. Under the motto "Join Team Love", the hollow chocolate figure will be available in all 2,150 PENNY stores from 31 October at a price of 1.49 euros. PENNY will donate 0.20 euros of the sales proceeds to the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation for the "Football for Diversity" project (fussball-fuer-vielfalt.de).
"Especially in football, there is a lot of movement on the issue of homophobia. It is particularly important that activities in this area have substance and staying power. Discrimination on the pitch or in the dressing room is often still part of everyday life. And that stops many footballers from coming out. In this respect, every sign against homophobia in football - but also in sport as a whole - is as important as ever. Perhaps more important than ever. In this respect, I am delighted that the "Zipfelmenschen" is supporting the "Football for Diversity" project of the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation, which has been doing important work for football since 2013," says Helmut Metzner, Management Board of the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation.
Stefan Görgens
one: Why did PENNY first launch the Zipfelmenschen a few years ago?
Stefan Görgens : At PENNY, we stand for an open and tolerant society. That's why we added the hollow chocolate figure - then still known as the Zipfelmann - to our range back in 2010. Recently, we turned the Zipfelmann into the Zipfelmenschen so that everyone can really identify with the message. With this year's edition of the Zipfelmenschen, we are taking a stand against homophobia in football and other sports under the motto "Come into Team Love". PENNY is donating €0.20 of the €1.49 proceeds to the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation for the "Football for Diversity" project. And: The Zipfelmensch should not replace Father Christmas.
one: Why are you focussing on homophobia in sport this year of all years?
Stefan Görgens: Unfortunately, homophobia still runs like a deep rift through football and the rest of the sporting world. We say the opposite: The ball is round, the world is colourful. That's why this year we're using our Zipfelmenschen to promote more tolerance and cosmopolitanism in sport. Especially now, when all eyes are once again on the sporting highlight - the Football World Cup in Qatar. A country where homosexuality is simply forbidden.
one: Why does PENNY get involved in such social or political issues at all? Heretically asked: Is that the job of a discounter?
Stefan Görgens: We see ourselves as the discounter in the neighbourhood. Consequently, we also want to participate in current discussions and take a clear stance. I am convinced that our customers want to know what we stand for and what our values are. We have always had the courage to address socially sensitive issues. We will continue to do so, it is part of our culture and our self-image.
Both German and English comments appear here.
I love the idea behind the Zipfelmenschen - and if there's a vegan version next year, I'll celebrate it even more :-)
That's exactly what I was about to write! A vegan version would be great.