Bolt's limited edition autographed Puma sneakers now on eBay

As not-for-profits seek to find creative ways to financetheir programmes and survive in the current economic downturn, onecharity is seeking to capitalise on the power of Internet and celebrity.

TheNew York-based Jamaican charity, Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO)Inc has joined forces with the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, andPUMAVision in this latest initiative to raise funds to carry out itsmission in Jamaica as well as the United States.

The bidding forthe limited edition PUMA Cell Mio Bolt has started at US$750 andpersons have until Tuesday, April 21, to be part of history and own avaluable sporting memorabilia. The sneakers (UK size 13) are one ofthree pairs donated by PUMAVision to COJO as part its communityoutreach efforts as they seek to partner with worthwhile causes. Thesneakers were on display during COJO's Annual Scholarship Gala held on the first Saturday of December each year.

Direction and framework

"PUMAVisionis PUMA's way of uniting all initiatives that come under the heading'Corporate Social Responsibility' and giving them a coherent directionand framework," said PUMA Chairman and CEO Jochen Zeitz. "It comes froma vision of a world that is better than the one we know now - a worldthat is safer, more peaceful and more creative. Through the programmesof puma.safe (focusing on environmentaland social issues); puma.peace (supporting global peace); andpuma.creative (suppor-ting artists and creative organisa-tions), thatvision becomes practical reality."

COJO Chairman Gary Williamssaid the organisation was grateful to PUMAVision for the donation ofthe three pairs of sneakers and to Usain Bolt for taking the time outof his demanding training schedule to autograph the sneakers.

"All proceeds raised from this auction will go towards establishing a scholarship called 'The PUMA Usain Bolt Scholarship', which will be awarded to a deserving child," said Williams.

PUMA had released 180 pairs of the sneakers in commemoration of Bolt's 100m world record run at the Reebok Grand Prixat the Icahn Stadium in May last year, a mark he since lowered at theSummer Olympics in Beijing, China. The PUMA Cell Mio Bolt features anall black-white stripe upper on top of a bright blue translucent Cellsole. Inscribed all over in blue & copper metallic ink aregoal/positive statements Bolt etched to reinforce his determination towin.

COJO is a non-profit organisation in New York, whose missionis to help improve the health, education and general well-being ofunderprivileged children.

Over the last decade, thevolunteer-driven organisation has supported a number of institutions inJamaica as well as the United States. Among them are the Alpha Boys'Home; Glenhope Place of Safety; Marigold Child Care Centre and theMusgrave Girls' Home in Jamaica and, in New York, the Jamaica, QueensYMCA and Leaf of Life.