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In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the threat of Hurricane Irma, and the rapidly spreading wildfire in the Columbia River Gorge, Portland’s professional sports teams are coming together to join in the rebuilding efforts. On Tuesday, the Portland Trail Blazers, Hillsboro Hops, Portland Winterhawks, Portland Timbers, and Portland Thorns announced a joint fundraising and blood drive campaign to take place this week, in partnership with the American Red Cross.
In a press release announcing the operation on the team’s website, Trail Blazers President Chris McGowan issued the following statement:
“The destruction we’ve seen from the Oregon wildfires and Hurricane Harvey is heartbreaking,” said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “The journey to recovery will be a long one for all impacted areas. The professional sports community here in Portland is rallying our respective fan bases, employees and partners to contribute resources to assist in the effort where it’s needed most.”
The following details, including blood drive dates and locations, were also provided in the release:
Red Cross blood donations can be conveniently scheduled online at www.redcrossblood.org for any of their blood drive locations throughout the region; or through the mobile app by texting BLOODAPP to 90999. Here is the schedule of upcoming blood drives hosted by each Portland-area pro sports team (**Note: Donors should use visitor parking for their vehicles, or dial (503) 528-5800 for parking guidance if visitor spaces are full):
- Wednesday, September 6 – Hillsboro Hops; 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Thursday, September 7 – Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC; 80 appointment slots from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Friday, September 8 – Portland Winterhawks; 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Saturday, September 9 – Portland Trail Blazers; 100 appointment slots from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
For financial donations, text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps people affected by disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Donors must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates may apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. Full Terms and Privacy Policy: hmgf.org/t.
This is the first time all five organizations have worked directly together on such a cause, and it comes at a time when the country needs it most.