A few days before beating the Houston Texans to put together a two game win streak in the Jimmy Garoppolo era, the San Francisco 49ers partnered with Visa for the 11th Annual Shop With a Player event.
“We partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to buy gifts for the Boys and Girls Club,” said Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee Bradley Pinion. “Half of it is going to go to Santa Rosa with the wildfires. It’s a truly awesome event to be able to give back…The fact that we’re able to do this on our platform is truly a blessing in disguise…I love every minute of it. I think the kids love every minute of it. Just the impact it has on the community is truly awesome.”
Kids from the Bay Area used prepaid Visa cards and shopped for supplies for after-school programs, including sporting equipment and toys. Their shopping buddies included Pinion, Dekoda Watson, Carlos Hyde, Zane Beadles, DeAndre Carter, and Raheem Mostert.
“Christmas is one of my favorite holidays,” said Hyde. “Got a chance hang out with some kids today. I don’t have any family during Christmas time, so I’m looking forward to giving back and going to help some kids shop and put smiles on their faces.”
Not only did the children at the event write notes to send with all the supplies, but the players also recorded messages for the various clubhouses.
Happy holidays everyone and Go Niners!
*All photos provided by 49ers.com