Miscommunication, not profiteering.
That’s how the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has described the issue of its fundraising for ailing footballer Akeem Adams, specifically through the “I Support Akeem!” T-shirt sales, conducted in conjunction with Native Spirit.
The Association, via press release yesterday, stated that the proceeds of $50,000 received from the T-shirt sales--reported as 25 per cent of the funds generated was “appropriate”, given the cost of producing the T-shirts and their quality.
In all, between T-shirts sales and tickets sold from the special fundraising section at last month’s T&T versus New Zealand friendly international at Hasely Crawford Stadium, the “Heart of a Warrior” fund set up for Adams raised $72,300 for the hospitalised footballer.
It apologised, though, for not issuing a timely statement to address the issue.
“Firstly, the TTFA is sorry and would like to express its regret over any confusion caused by inconsistent communication regarding the amount of the sales price directed to the fund supporting Akeem.”
yesterday’s release stated. “In hindsight, a follow-up release expressly stating the amount going to the fund from T-shirt sales should have been produced.
“While the TTFA regrets the unintended miscommunication, it is important to state that based on third party confirmation of costs associated with the production of the shirts, the donation provided by the T-shirt sales was appropriate and we respectfully deny any claims of profiteering.”
The Association also described the “quality of the T-shirt, and especially the print” as “exceptional”, and said that the TTFA, in partnering with Native Spirit, had sought to ensure its brand was placed on “items of an excellent standard”.
The Association also said it was grateful for the public’s support of Adams.
The release added: “The TTFA is proud to have played a role in providing a quality product to support a noble cause in a relatively short space in time and would like to thank Native Spirit for its contribution to the effort.”
It also added that it would like the public to continue to support the player, who is still in hospital in Hungary awaiting a life-saving heart transplant after suffering a massive heart attack late in September as a player for the Farencvaros club in that country.
Patrons can do so through direct donation to an RBC account (Account No. 1000-851-726-5891) in the name of Adams’s mother, Ancilla Adams, or by purchasing “I Support Akeem!” T-shirts.
RELATED NEWS
Native Spirit defends cost of Akeem Adams T-shirts.
By Kalifa Sarah Clyne (Guardian).
No profit was made on Akeem Adams T-shirts, says Bruce Kauffman, Owner of Native Spirit, the local clothing producer who produced the 2,000 “I Support Akeem!” T-shirts sold to raise money for the ailing T&T footballer.
Kauffman broke his silence yesterday in an interview with the T&T Guardian after there was public criticism owing to misinformation about the sale of T-shirts as part of the “Heart of a Warrior” charity drive.
Adams, 22, who appeared twice for this country at the Youth World Cup, had a heart attack in September, then had to have his lower left leg amputated.
He is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a clinic in Hungary, where he had been playing as a defender for the Ferencvarosi club.
At this country’s international friendly football match against New Zealand on October 15, Native Spirit, in partnership with the T&T Football Association (TTFA), provided T-shirts for sale to benefit a fund set up to assist Adams.
T-shirts were also sold at Native Spirit outlets for $100.
In an interview yesterday, Kauffman expressed disappointment that something meant to be charitable had turned into a controversy that was ugly and muddied with suspicion.
“We made a substantial commitment to helping Akeem and we did it very quickly. Who else in Government or privately responded?” he asked.
Kauffman, who was hesitant to speak to the media, said lack of information and understanding of production costs and selling and distribution costs were behind the suspicion aimed at his business and the TTFA.
It was reported that 2000 T-shirts were sold and $72,300 was generated from sales.
Since that revelation, supporters have expressed shock that only a portion of the proceeds went to Adams.
The TTFA had initially said all proceeds from sales would go to him, but later issued a release saying only 25 per cent would be contributed.
“The initial agreement was that Native Spirit would produce the T-shirts and that $25 would go to the TTFA for Akeem’s fund,” Kauffman said.
“We did the shirt at cost. Everything was agreed to be done at cost (price). There were production costs, selling and distribution costs and Vat.”
Kauffman said Native Spirit also handled the distribution of the T-shirts, including event costs for the football game, tent rentals, staffing and other expenses.
“I am concerned that the real message is not coming through. We were and still are trying to help Akeem.
“The message should be the positive side. We were trying to do something good.”
Kauffman said it was unfortunate that patrons were under a false impression about the T-shirts.
“I spent countless hours working on this project that we finished in a short space of time. My staff spent countless hours working. You are talking about a big effort.”
Kauffman said the response to the T-shirts had been great and overwhelming and people should look at the bigger message of coming together to help Adams. Costs per T-shirt sold at $100.
Kauffman said the actual cost of an I Support Akeem T-shirt was $87, as $13 was attributed to Vat. A total of $25 was contributed to the fund for Akeem Adams.
The production cost per T-shirt amounted to $40, including the T-shirts, printing, screens, colour separation and use of seven colours on each T-shirt.
Selling and distribution costs per T-shirt amounted to $22. This covered staff and event costs, transportation, Linx fees, rental of wireless Linx machines, tent rentals and other expenses.