BERLIN, March 28 -- Marco Reus and his wife Scarlett are the latest example of footballers making significant donations to support the fight against the coronavirus and the economic setbacks caused by the current shutdown of society.

The 30-year-old's family announced that they had set up a 50,000-euro fund to support local traders. The German international has encouraged teammates, fans and sponsors to join his "Help your Hometown" initiative.

Inevitable restrictions have hit small enterprises badly, the striker said. "They can't build up financial reserves despite their passionate efforts to survive many weeks without customers," Reus stressed. "But it is exactly these little companies that enrich our daily local life," the Borussia Dortmund striker added.

Similar intentions are behind aid provided by Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim. The club of the main shareholder Dietmar Hopp initiated a fund supporting regional sports clubs, hospitals, and health sector volunteers.

Software billionaire Hopp said solidarity is an obligation in hard times. "We have always seen TSG Hoffenheim as a club taking responsibility for our entire region," the 79-year-old said.

The club has invited fans and business partners to join the project after the club and Hopp made significant donations. "We're delighted with the enormous response," commented Hoffenheim.

Hopp is said to have donated several million euro out of his private assets.

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