Major League Baseball announced Thursday that it will be making a donation of $200,000 to UNICEF and the American Red Cross to aid the Philippines in disaster relief from Typhoon Haiyan. MLB Network will also utilize studio programming and MLB.com to reach out to fans, inform them of the relief effort and collect additional contributions.
Representatives of the league have voiced their support for victims of Haiyan, one of the strongest storms on record.
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“Major League Baseball is eager to support the relief efforts assisting the people of the Philippines who have suffered because of this tragic storm,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig according to MLB.com. “Millions of people, including many children, have been affected by this storm, and we encourage others to contribute to the essential work of both UNICEF and the Red Cross in helping the country recover during this most difficult time.”
According to The Associated Press, the MLB Players Association designated an additional $250,000 in funding from the Players Trust to support recovery and rebuilding in the Philippines.
Caryl Stern, president and CEO of U.S. Fund for UNICEF, expressed appreciation for the efforts made by MLB. "Major League Baseball has been a true friend to the world's children in their time of need. In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, some five million children have lost their homes, schools and communities. MLB not only asked fans to support UNICEF's response, but today they have made a generous gift to help fuel the relief so desperately needed. On behalf of the children who've endured the strongest storm in history, we thank MLB and its fans for the support."
Neal Litvack, chief development officer at the American Red Cross expressed similar sentiments, "The generous support of Major League Baseball will help the Red Cross support people affected by Typhoon Haiyan, both in the emergency response and as people and communities work to rebuild their lives."
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