The Pittsburgh Steelers have joined the worldwide effort to assist the victims of the Haitian earthquake.
The team is donating to the American Red Cross and to the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, a health care facility in Haiti that provides care for the impoverished residents.
The National Football League and the NFL Players Association have pledged $2.5 million to the cause. The NFL and NFLPA are contributing $1 million as a part of their Disaster Relief Fund to the American Red Cross and Partners In Health ($500,000 each). During the NFL divisional playoff games last weekend public service announcements aired to promote donations, with the donated airtime valued at $1.5 million.
Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes is encouraging fans to make donations to the American Red Cross, and offering a chance to win a signed jersey as an incentive.
"The earthquake that hit Haiti was such a devastating tragedy for so many people," said Holmes. "It especially hit close to home with me because one of my best friends has family there. I'm sure they will be very appreciative of everything we are trying to do to help them."
If you would like to donate and be eligible to win the jersey please visit www.santonioholmes10.com for details.
You can also donate directly to either charity by visiting their website.
American Red Cross
Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.
Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.
The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country, and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through over 700 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world.
http://www.redcross.org/
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) is a model for health care facilities in developing countries around the world. An integrated rural health system, HAS provides medical care and community health and development programs for more than 300,000 impoverished people in the Artibonite Valley of central Haiti. Visiting medical professionals from North America and abroad work with a permanent Haitian staff of almost 550. Financial support comes from partner organizations and private individuals around the world.
