By Charlotte Fall
In 2010, One World Play Project was founded by Tim Jahnigen to empower youth from disadvantaged communities around the globe through the power of play. The organization sells durable, unpoppable soccer balls that can be used on any terrain. Tim was inspired after hearing news reports of children in refugee camps creating their own soccer ball by tying up trash with twine to play with. One World Play Project created a solution, implementing the belief that play is an essential part of children’s development. As a dedicated B Corporation, when an individual purchases a One World Ball, 5% of the sale will be donated to their partner organizations that bring soccer balls to kids around the world.
Additionally, they offer discounts for buying in bulk, options to donate directly, and create personal fundraising campaigns. They have run different campaigns to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of play, such as the All Girls Can Play campaign, focusing on the disparity of play between genders, and the Play Together campaign, focusing on the benefits of play for displaced children in refugee camps. Through their work, they have now provided over 2 million One World Futbols to organizations working with marginalized youth, impacting the lives of over 60 million children.