Harry Kane is over the moon at the fact that Leyton Orient’s jersey for the 2020-21 season has been flying off the shelves after he chose to sponsor the kit.
Kane has not only helped his old club financially but has also donated Orient’s shirt sponsorship to three great causes
The Spurs man chose a thank you to the frontline workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic, Haven House Children’s Hospice, and Mind, the mental health charity.
Orient confirmed on Friday that they had enjoyed their biggest ever retail day at the club with fans buying the new shirts. Kane was extremely pleased to see supporters doing their part to help support the League Two side, as well as the charities.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain (as relayed by Football.London), the striker said: “That’s exactly the response we wanted. We obviously didn’t know how it would be taken yesterday, it’s the first time it’s ever been done, so to hear that is exactly what we wanted and it puts a smile on my face.
“Hopefully people keep buying the shirts – ten per cent goes to those charities and it’s great for Leyton Orient as well who are going to struggle during this time, with uncertainty over whether League One and League Two are going to continue. So it’s helping everyone out.”
The England captain also opened up on why he chose the three charities that he did.
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He said: “The frontline workers, we’ve all seen the amazing job they’ve been doing at this difficult time, putting their lives on the line whether it’s delivery drivers, bus drivers, care workers, shop workers – there are so many people I can name.
“I thought it was important we gave them as much support as possible. Haven House, it was just something that it is very local to me, I grew up not far from where they’re based.
“They do some amazing work for children and their families during their most difficult times, whether that’s daycare or end of life care. So many tough things they have to support.
“Obviously during this time, charities have taken a hit as well, not getting the fundraisers they usually get so we thought that was important.
“Of course Mind, the mental health charity. Over the last few years, I’ve got to know more about mental health and what fundraisers like mine do.
“Especially during this lockdown, there’s not going to be as much talking between friends and families so it’s important people feel there’s somewhere to go, someone to talk to. That’s why we choose Mind.”
The Spurs striker also revealed how the idea to help out the club he made his professional debut for came about.
The 26-year-old added: “Nigel Travis, the owner of Leyton Orient, got in touch with my brother who represents me.
“Between them and a couple of others at Leyton Orient we got an idea of what they wanted to do. My brother brought it to me and I fell in love with the idea straight away.
“It’s obviously a chance to help Orient, who gave me my first professional start and got me underway with my professional career, and help three amazing causes during this difficult time.
“We got the ball rolling, we had to ask the Premier League, the FA, the EFL and Tottenham to make sure there were no loopholes and thankfully everyone was on board.”
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It is clear from the response to the campaign that Kane’s gesture has resonated with the fans. Hopefully, this will convince more top-flight footballers to follow the Spurs star’s lead as lower league clubs are going to need all the financial help they can get under the current circumstances.
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