Major League Baseball’s Players Trust To Give Aid For Haiti Relief

Major League Baseball players have joined in the worldwide effort to help Haiti recover from the devastating earthquake that left the whole country in ruins. Through the MLB Players Trust, one million dollars is being earmarked for both immediate and long-term relief and recovery aid. Initial help will be channeled through Esperanza International and Medicines for Humanity with $100,000 going to each organization.

The Players Trust

The Players Trust has been working with Esperanza International since 2006 with regards to helping 35,000 women and families in the Dominican Republic with their microfinance program. In the aftermath of the Haiti quake, the organization has led 150 local organizations to coordinate relief efforts and provide the victims with food, water, bedding, and hygiene kits.

Since 2002, the Players Trust has provided medicines and health services to the Dominican Republic through Medicines For Humanity. Currently, MFH is supplying the critically required medicines and medical supplies needed by the survivors. The organization is also supporting a medical team that is treating around 300 patients daily.

Realizing that it will take years and more financial resources to rebuild Haiti, the remaining money pledged by the Players Trust will be used for long-term projects. Through Esperanza International, assistance to Haiti’s economic development will be provided through housing for families, educational opportunities for children, and income-generating initiatives such as a microfinance program to free these families from poverty. For its part, Medicines For Humanity will actively help in the efforts to rebuild health services in Haiti, especially those that are geared towards maternal and child health.

Other charitable causes

This pledge matches the Players Trust’s largest financial contribution in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2005, this charitable foundation, administered by the members of the Major League Baseball Players Association, also gave one million dollars to launch the Volunteers of America Rental Housing Development Fund. Along with contributions from other organizations, the donation was used to develop affordable rental housing in the Gulf Coast region. The Players Trust also provides resources, both financial and in volunteer work, to other causes close to the hearts of the members. This foundation is the first of its kind that was established and administered by players of professional sports.

In a statement, MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association) Representative and Players Trust Trustee Curtis Granderson of the New York Yankees declared how honored they are to pledge long-term support to the people of Haiti. He further noted that the players association, through their foundation, is committed to help and support their chosen non-profit organizations as they help Haiti in its long road to recovery.

David Valle, President of Esperanza International, and Tim Bilodeau, Executive Director of Medicines for Humanity, have acknowledged the gift from the MLBPA.