Genoni teams up with Czech goalkeeper Hrubec

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Goalkeeper Simon Hrubec has a dream job as a hockey pro, earning his living and entertaining other people. But the Czech wants more. “I know doctors, policemen, firefighters, soldiers. In their work, they help and rescue people,” says Hrubec. The desire grows to do good together with other keepers.

His idea: Participating goalkeepers donate an amount for every save that is used at the end of the season to help sick or needy people. In 2018, the 31-year-old launched his aid project “Saves help” in his home country of the Czech Republic. 60 keepers are already participating in this charity action. Including NHL stars like David Rittich (Winnipeg Jets) or Vitek Vanecek (New Jersey Devils).

Keepers vote on what gets donated

“Save help” is his baby, says Hrubec before today’s World Cup match between his Czechs and the Swiss national team. “I thought it could grow into a global charity project.” So why not in Switzerland, where Hrubec has been under contract with the ZSC Lions since 2022?

To make it happen, he brings Leonardo Genoni (35) on board. “He is the superstar in Switzerland, the face of the goalkeepers.” The two keepers have recently started working together. Everything is still in its infancy, but Genoni has already reached other goalkeepers. Such as Robert Mayer (Servette), Harri Säteri (Biel) or Ivars Punnenovs (Lausanne).

There is still a lot of paperwork to do and legal issues for establishing your non-profit organization to be cleared up before “Saves help Switzerland” can be officially presented. But Hrubec is already looking forward to the further development of his aid project. Genoni says: «I like the idea very much, because direct help is made possible, and that is also needed in Switzerland. I hope we can make a small contribution and fulfill our role model function.”

The Czech explains how everything is handled. “The goalkeepers donate at least one franc for every save. You are of course free to increase the amount.” The keepers vote in a chat on what the amount will be spent on at the end of the season. Hrubec has made proposals in the Czech Republic in recent years.

For special therapies or treatments

“Usually it was something for sick or infirm people who, for example, are not covered by their insurance. A special therapy or treatment, a special wheelchair,” he cites as examples. The Czech goalkeepers have already bought new mobility machines for a rehabilitation center or purchased new sleds for a sledge hockey team (para hockey).

Hrubec is especially important: “We never donate the money directly, but buy something that helps people.” For the father of two, in addition to the gratitude he receives, the nicest side effect is: “In this way we also become role models for little keepers. We stand for the attitude that you have to help other people when you have enough yourself.”

Source : Blick