Donation Made in Name of 
ALLEN PARK, MICH. – The Detroit Lions are making a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund to assist efforts in the wake of the tragic earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday (January 12). The devastating earthquake registered a 7.0 magnitude and has taken thousands of lives and will cost billions of dollars in damage on this small island nation in the Caribbean.
“The Lions are getting much-needed funds right away to the American Red Cross to assist in rescue and relief efforts,” said Lions’ president Tom Lewand. “We are making the donation in the names of our players -- Cliff Avril, Gosder Cherilus and Louis Delmas -- who have family and friends directly affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.”
“We encourage all Lions’ fans to contribute in any way they can,” Lewand continued. “There are many ways to help, and the NFL will be promoting how fans can make donations during game telecasts this weekend.”
The three Lions – defensive end Avril, offensive tackle Cherilus and safety Delmas – are among approximately 24 current NFL players who are of Haitian descent. Cherilus, who was born in Haiti, is in the process of coordinating his efforts through his foundation, the Gosder Cherilus Foundation, and two relief organizations now on the ground helping in Haiti – Save The Children and AmeriCares. For more information on the foundation, go online at www.gosdercherilusfoundation.com.
The NFL will promote donations to Haiti through the Red Cross’ text-to-give line (text HAITI to 90999 or online at www.redcross.org) during the CBS and FOX telecasts of this weekend’s playoff games as well as during NFL Network programming, ESPN’s Countdown, and NFL radio broadcasts.
A special NFL public service announcement featuring the New Orleans Saints’ Jonathan Vilma and the San Diego Chargers’ Jacques Cesaire will air during each playoff game this weekend. Both players’ parents were born in Haiti. Also, NFL.com will have banner ads linking fans to the Red Cross to donate funds.
For more information on the NFL’s response to the Haitian earthquake, log onto www.nfl.com.
