MetLife Stadium announced today that it is receiving a donation on behalf of the Brazil and Colombian Federations in the amount of $50,000 to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The donation, to be made before the soccer match on Wednesday, Nov. 14, will be divided equally between two major organizations: Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City/Hurricane Sandy Relief.
Before the match, MetLife Stadium, in partnership with Jersey Cares, will have volunteers outside the Verizon, Pepsi and MetLife Gates collecting coats and blankets. Donations will be accepted beginning at 2:30 p.m. and all items collected will be distributed to shelters in local communities across New Jersey.
"The CBF wishes to offer its support to the people of New Jersey and New York who have suffered as a result of Hurricane Sandy," said José Maria Marin, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president. "This region and its people have treated the CBF, and the Brazilian players, with great affection when we have played there and we wish to make this donation as a gesture of our support in these troubled times. We look forward to being in New Jersey next week and for the game against Colombia at MetLife Stadium."
"As a sign of solidarity and support, especially to the Colombian community in the New York/New Jersey region recently affected by Hurricane Sandy, the Colombian Football Federation wants to join the recovery efforts with a donation for the victims of this natural occurrence," said Luis Bedoya Giraldo, Colombian Football Federation (FCF) president. "For years, residents of this region have expressed to us their great affection, love and hospitality. Therefore, in the name of players, coaches and members of the executive committee of the FCF, we want to express through this symbolic donation all our support to those affected at this difficult time. We will be with you next week and on the field at MetLife Stadium we are going to offer a great show in the company of our Brazilian brothers."
The Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, established by Gov. Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie immediately after the storm, is a long-term recovery fund dedicated to helping New Jersey communities and families rebuild their lives and homes.
The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City is identifying immediate aid needs, including food, water and hygiene supplies, as well as long-term relief and restoration efforts for those in the five boroughs impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
Brazil, returning for the second time this year, will face Colombia in an international friendly on Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. Coach USA will be operating buses to MetLife Stadium from the Port Authority in New York City.
