Vancouver Whitecaps FC have teamed up with Flight Centre to help the hurricane victims of Cuba through donations to the Canadian Red Cross at Saturday's match against the Montreal Impact.
Prior to halftime, Whitecaps fans are encouraged to purchase paper airplanes on the Swangard Stadium concourse through a minimum donation of two dollars. Fans who donate a minimum of five dollars will receive two airplanes. At halftime, there will be an airplane toss, with three winners receiving Flight Centre gift certificates, as well as Whitecaps playoff tickets. All proceeds raised through the airplane toss will go directly to the hurricane relief efforts in Cuba.
The idea to help the hurricane victims of Cuba was originated through the Whitecaps striker Eduardo Sebrango, a native of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. “I have been closely following the media reports regarding the devastation in Cuba and have been in contact with my family, as well as the Cuban Embassy,” said Sebrango. “My whole family has been directly affected by the hurricanes and I wanted to help. I have reached out to my teammates and am very thankful for the efforts of the Whitecaps and Flight Centre to help during such a difficult time.”
Red Cross response in Cuba was immediate and is ongoing. Local volunteers evacuated high-risk areas and supported emergency shelters, food distribution, and first aid services and provided psychological support.
Whitecaps fans unable to make Saturday’s match, or those who wish to donate immediately, may do so online at
redcross.ca
, by calling toll-free at 1.800.418.1111 or in-person at any Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Cuba Hurricane”, and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.
The Whitecaps host Montreal Impact on Saturday night at Swangard Stadium. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and kickoff is schedule for 7:00 p.m. For tickets, which start at $18, call 604.280.4400 or visit
ticketmaster.ca
. For information on group tickets and match packs, call the Whitecaps office at 604.669.WAVE (9283) or visit
CLICK HERE
.
