In a time of despair, death, and destruction, it does my heart good to see all of the Arsenal America lads and ladies coming together to support people in need. Tuesday, January 12th marked one of the most horrific earthquakes in the modern era, hitting one of the poorest nations in the world, Haiti. With no real infrastructure, people are looking for life amongst the devastation. Thousands are dead, and many more are injured, hungry, thirsty, and in need of aid. The Bay Area Gooners, headed up by our very own Mark Barbeau, have taken up the mantle of hope for those in need. They are coordinating a football event with the Tottenham supporters group with the goal of generating money for those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. They will be playing a football match with a raffle at the end. The details will be distributed via Arsenal America once they have been firmed up.
The Charm City Gooners have also joined in the cause, starting this Sunday at our Arsenal v. Bolton viewing party. Donations will begin on Sunday, and will go through the following week, ending on the 24th of January. The Charm City Gooners will be taking donations for the American Red Cross. Kurtis Powers, Brett Chase, and the NYC Arsenal Supporters Club will be taking donations this Sunday and beyond for the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund.
These are people who truly need our help. Without donations of time and money, many people will die. We are blessed to be able to watch the Arsenal week in and week out, eating great food, and drinking great beer. As Kurtis reminded me today, there are many Gooners in Haiti that love Arsenal as much as we do. We have many Gooners in the States that are from Haiti, and who still have family that live there. Please take a moment before the match on Sunday and flip your couch cushions, clean out your car’s change tray, or stop by the ATM for a few extra dollars to donate. Don’t be bashful with your donations. Whether you can contribute $.25 for $250 . . . every little bit matters.
If you would like to make a donation to help those in need, please e-mail me at josh@arsenalamerica, and I will provide you with the details as to where you can send your money. It is up to all of us to make a difference!