Members of the Langley Blaze AAA bantam team are planning a trip to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico in February to train with, play against, and provide equipment and coaching for young players in the U.S. territory.
They are raising money for a goodwill friendship tour of the island to buy equipment and training supplies for the youth baseball leagues in Puerto Rico, and cover the travel costs for the players.
They hope to bring much-needed electrical generators and building supplies as well.
“I’m really excited to go,” said player Nathan Kirkpatrick.
“It feels nice to actually go and help them out, to feel that you’re contributing. Going down to play some baseball and fundraise to go help them out is a good way to do it.”
Jaden Lamothe said Puerto Rico has yet to fully recover from the devastation inflicted on Sept. 2017, by Hurricane Maria, a category three storm that killed over thousands and caused billions of dollars of damage.
Many areas are still without electricity, many houses are still without roofs and schools remain closed.
“Down there, they don’t have much,” Lamothe said.
“No one has stepped up completely to help them out yet.”
“It’s for a very good cause,” said Tommy Palazoff.
“[Donating] will make you feel good that you’re helping kids in Puerto Rico.”
The team has been collecting bottles and bagging groceries to raise funds.
A gofundme online page, “Help us Rebuild Puerto Rico,” has been set up, and the team has launched a Facebook page for the “2019 Puerto Rico Goodwill Tour” as well.
As well, an account has been set up at the Langley Bottle Depot at 20137 Industrial Avenue for “Bantam Blaze” reference account #793.
READ MORE: Money is running out in hurricane-hit Puerto Rico
Their target is $25,000.
An online statement explained why.
“We are all part of a global community and our youth need to learn about the needs of others around the world,” it said.
“There is no better way for young people to learn about social service, social justice, and giving back than through seeing the needs of others with their own eyes and learning that they can make a difference in the lives of others.”
For more information on sponsorship: email PR2019@langleyblaze.com.