NFL, union to donate $1M to Haiti relief fund
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The NFL and the players' union are contributing $1 million toward
relief efforts in Haiti.
The American Red Cross and Partners In Health will receive
$500,000 each.
The NFL and its network broadcast partners will also run
messages before and during this weekend's playoff games to promote
donations for the earthquake-battered country. The public service
announcements will drive viewers to the Red Cross Web site and
feature Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and Chargers defensive end
Jacques Cesaire. Both players have Haitian parents.
The Red Cross estimates 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed
in Tuesday's earthquake.
In addition, NFL owners and players are making personal
donations. The Washington Redskins are joining Diageo, one of the
team's business partners, to fly medical supplies, personnel and
clothing to Haiti.
"We're not a relief organization, but there are times when
our resources allow us to step in and make a difference, if only a
small one," Redskins owner Daniel Snyder said Friday.
"Diageo has been involved in relief efforts around the world
for many years, and we're fortunate to be able to partner with
them. Getting the right people and supplies to Haiti is critically
important, and we're providing our best resources."
So are the Tiger Woods Foundation, Alonzo Mourning and
Hendrick Motorsports.
Woods' foundation will lend support to groups providing
resources to Haitian children. The foundation has helped relief
efforts after Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Indonesia.
Former NBA star Mourning flew to Haiti to assist relief
workers in Port-au-Prince. He's joining Dwyane Wade and other pro
athletes in raising funds for the recovery.
The Heat also announced plans to send money and supplies, and
the team asked fans to give donations in exchange for ticket
vouchers to games.
Hendrick Motorsports loaned a 45-passenger plane to
Missionary Flights International, which will send support teams in
and out of Port-au-Prince. The first flight is scheduled to leave
Fort Pierce, Fla., on Saturday and will take 30 passengers and
medical supplies into Haiti.
Rick Hendrick, who owns the NASCAR team, is covering all
costs of the flights.
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