The Heart of LifeWear Vol.9: UNIQLO and Roger Federer delivered HEATTECH in France to help communities stay warm in winter
Apr 29, 2025
Heart of LifeWear
This winter, UNIQLO delivered more than 11,000 HEATTECH items to communities in France who needed warmth the most. Through their non-profit partner organisation Fête le Mur, UNIQLO donated 4,500 items to communities in southern France and La Courneuve. On Friday February 28th 2025, tennis legend and UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Roger Federer distributed 1,000 of these items at an event in La Courneuve.
Through its Heart of LifeWear initiative, UNIQLO is donating one million HEATTECH thermal clothing items to people worldwide who need assistance. Previous activities include emergency relief for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires in the U.S. and the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Japan. UNIQLO has also provided clothing for the homeless across Europe, for orphanages, and for children with disabilities, in coordination with UNIQLO's Global Brand Ambassadors.
La Courneuve, a young, energetic, and diverse area just outside Paris, is undergoing a profound transformation. In 2024, to celebrate and support the community, UNIQLO donated a tennis court with unique surface artwork. This permanent gift remains open and available for everyone in the community to use.
UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador and tennis legend Roger Federer joined the court's inauguration last year. Almost a year later, he returned to La Courneuve to make winter easier for residents. Alongside UNIQLO employees, he distributed HEATTECH thermalwear to 75 families at the event arranged by the non-profit organisation Fête le Mur.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Federer said, 'I had a great time today, returning to La Courneuve as part of UNIQLO's The Heart of LifeWear initiative. It was wonderful to reconnect with everyone here and share some of what I've learned throughout my career. I was happy to see the tennis court we donated last year remains an important source of energy for the community. I hope the people of La Courneuve enjoyed it as much as I did.'
At the event, children shared their wishes and hopes for the upcoming year on heart-shaped cards, referencing the initiative's name. Roger also wrote a card while interacting with the children, posting the message 'I wish you a joyful year of 2025, kisses, Roger Federer'. Many children expressed their dream of becoming as good a tennis player as Roger. His visit and encouraging words to continue with sports and an active lifestyle were the highlight of their winter break from school.
Guests queued up to receive HEATTECH items to fit their family's sizes and everyday needs, along with sweet treats and well wishes from the UNIQLO staff. UNIQLO Europe CEO Taku Morikawa, UNIQLO France COO Yuki Yamada, and Fast Retailing Global President of Creative John Jay all volunteered in the distribution. The items were well-appreciated, with some guests immediately changing into their new thermalwear and wearing it outside on the court where Roger Federer hosted a tennis clinic for promising local tennis talents.
Hundreds of children enjoyed the game outside, hearing Roger Federer's encouraging comments on how to improve their technique, laughing together, and simply having a well-spent afternoon. The return of Roger Federer and UNIQLO, showing genuine commitment to this community, was appreciated by the municipality representatives who joined the event.
This clothing donation is part of the “What Makes Life Better?” initiative.
For more information: Learn more about the project here.
Shop HEATTECH
Shop the women's HEATTECH collection
Shop the men's HEATTECH collection
Shop the kids' HEATTECH collection
PEACE FOR ALL
Learn more about the project here.
Through its Heart of LifeWear initiative, UNIQLO is donating one million HEATTECH thermal clothing items to people worldwide who need assistance. Previous activities include emergency relief for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires in the U.S. and the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Japan. UNIQLO has also provided clothing for the homeless across Europe, for orphanages, and for children with disabilities, in coordination with UNIQLO's Global Brand Ambassadors.
La Courneuve, a young, energetic, and diverse area just outside Paris, is undergoing a profound transformation. In 2024, to celebrate and support the community, UNIQLO donated a tennis court with unique surface artwork. This permanent gift remains open and available for everyone in the community to use.
UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador and tennis legend Roger Federer joined the court's inauguration last year. Almost a year later, he returned to La Courneuve to make winter easier for residents. Alongside UNIQLO employees, he distributed HEATTECH thermalwear to 75 families at the event arranged by the non-profit organisation Fête le Mur.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Federer said, 'I had a great time today, returning to La Courneuve as part of UNIQLO's The Heart of LifeWear initiative. It was wonderful to reconnect with everyone here and share some of what I've learned throughout my career. I was happy to see the tennis court we donated last year remains an important source of energy for the community. I hope the people of La Courneuve enjoyed it as much as I did.'
At the event, children shared their wishes and hopes for the upcoming year on heart-shaped cards, referencing the initiative's name. Roger also wrote a card while interacting with the children, posting the message 'I wish you a joyful year of 2025, kisses, Roger Federer'. Many children expressed their dream of becoming as good a tennis player as Roger. His visit and encouraging words to continue with sports and an active lifestyle were the highlight of their winter break from school.
Guests queued up to receive HEATTECH items to fit their family's sizes and everyday needs, along with sweet treats and well wishes from the UNIQLO staff. UNIQLO Europe CEO Taku Morikawa, UNIQLO France COO Yuki Yamada, and Fast Retailing Global President of Creative John Jay all volunteered in the distribution. The items were well-appreciated, with some guests immediately changing into their new thermalwear and wearing it outside on the court where Roger Federer hosted a tennis clinic for promising local tennis talents.
Hundreds of children enjoyed the game outside, hearing Roger Federer's encouraging comments on how to improve their technique, laughing together, and simply having a well-spent afternoon. The return of Roger Federer and UNIQLO, showing genuine commitment to this community, was appreciated by the municipality representatives who joined the event.
This clothing donation is part of the “What Makes Life Better?” initiative.
For more information: Learn more about the project here.
Shop HEATTECH
Shop the women's HEATTECH collection
Shop the men's HEATTECH collection
Shop the kids' HEATTECH collection
PEACE FOR ALL
Learn more about the project here.