Mercy Corps Fact Sheet (pdf)
PORTLAND, Ore. --- The Portland Pilots will host the Portland Timbers in an exhibition soccer match on Wednesday, February 17 at Merlo Field with proceeds going to Mercy Corps, an organization committed to the long-term recovery of Haiti. Mercy Corps is currently working to create thousands of jobs for earthquake survivors, secure clean water and safe sanitation for hard-hit neighborhoods, and help kids traumatized by the earthquake.
Kick off is set for 7:00 p.m.
Mercy Corps has a long track record of helping communities transition from receiving aid to carrying out their own recovery after natural disasters.
“Mercy Corps is honored to be the charity of choice for the Portland Timbers and the University of Portland Pilots’ efforts to help Haiti,” said Mercy Corps spokeswoman Caitlin Carlson. “Mercy Corps has extensive disaster response experience and deployed staff immediately to address the needs in Haiti. The rebuilding process will take years and Mercy Corps will be there for the long haul helping for as long as we’re needed. Your support at this soccer match will directly benefit thousands of Haitians recover and rebuild from this devastating quake.”
Tickets for the charity event are $7, while admission for UP students is free. Tickets will be available starting Tuesday at 11 a.m. through area Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
The Timbers will field a team of guest players and trialists against the Pilots, who reached the NCAA Third Round last fall.
Fans will be able to make donations to Mercy Corps during the game. Additionally, the Portland Beavers & Portland Timbers Community Fund will be conducting a silent auction of autographed Timbers jerseys as well as other sports memorabilia during the match. Proceeds from the auction items will also benefit Mercy Corps.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the University and the Timbers to join forces on such a worthy cause,” said Portland assistant coach Rob Baarts. “We hope that Portland’s passion for soccer will carry over in the efforts to support the on-going recovery in Haiti.”
Mercy Corps helps people in the world’s toughest places turn the crises of natural disaster, poverty and conflict into opportunities for progress. Driven by local needs and market conditions, their programs provide communities with the tools and support they need to transform their own lives. Their worldwide team of 3,700 professionals is improving the lives of 16.7 million people in more than 40 countries. For more information, see www.mercycorps.org.