Lakers Aid Haiti Relief

The Los Angeles Lakers and NBA have reacted swiftly to assist the victims of the recent earthquake and resulting humanitarian crisis in Haiti. They have donated money and raised awareness about the need for charity in this time of great suffering.

During last weekend’s home games, the Lakers and their fans mobilized on several fronts to raise nearly $40,000 for American Red Cross - Haiti Relief and Recovery. Funds from the Lakers Youth Foundation’s In-Arena Auction, in which Lakers fans bid on great items such as a framed autographed championship parade photos and team autographed basketballs, were donated to the cause. Lakers fans also donated money directly to American Red Cross - Haiti Relief and Recovery by texting a $10 pledge to a special phone number, or gave money to American Red Cross donation booths that were staffed by Red Cross volunteers on the Main and Upper concourses of STAPLES Center. The Lakers players have also donated their time to raise support for the relief efforts. Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom have each filmed public service announcements for the Red Cross and UNICEF.

Throughout the NBA, organizations and players have teamed up to lend a hand to Haiti. The NBA and the NBA Players Association, led by its president Derek Fisher, have pledged $1 million to support the relief efforts. Individual players have also joined in the generosity, including Haitian-born 76er Samuel Dalembert, who has personally donated $125,000 to UNICEF and visited the country to provide on-the-ground assistance. Since Friday January 15th, NBA players have already donated more than $1 million dollars to the “Athletes Fund for Haiti”, which was established by former NBA star Alonzo Mourning and current Miami Heat All-Star Dwayne Wade.

Lakers fans interested in learning about how they can help the relief efforts in Haiti, are encouraged to visit : http://www.nba.com/nba_cares or www.redcrossla.org