PORTLAND, Ore. –Last Friday, the Timbers Army and Portland Timbers teamed up to provide help to the American Red Cross at a blood drive at JELD-WEN Field.
“The need for blood is constant,” said Daphne Matthew of the Red Cross. “Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days and the only way to satisfy the need is through generous volunteer blood donors.”
The Timbers Army worked with the Red Cross on setting up a drive and within weeks the Timbers Army had signed up so many willing participants, the Red Cross arranged to have a second blood drive bus on site to accommodate the demand.
“The Timbers organization, its fans and its supporters are a tremendous aid to the American Red Cross,” said Matthew. “The Timbers have been supportive in sponsoring blood drives and acting as a partner in fundraising to meet the need of disaster victims. It is comforting to know that we have a solid base of fans that will rise to any challenge we might face on a local, national, or international level.”
A steady stream of Timbers Army members lined up outside the Red Cross buses all afternoon eager to take part in the drive.
“The Red Cross has been more than helpful. We first contacted them towards the end of last season,” said Timbers Army organizer Nick Brock. “We started working with the Red Cross and let them know we are interested in getting just a bus. We never thought they would work with us to this level.”
Timber Joey was on hand to provide support throughout the afternoon as well and the Timbers pitched in with providing space outside JELD-WEN Field.
“I think everyone in the Portland area is pretty excited to be a part of this.” said Timber Joey.
The feeling of camaraderie and the knowledge that this small act could have an impact far beyond the afternoon’s work was not lost on the numerous people who donated blood.
“I just got out of the military in September, so I give as often as I can,” said Timbers Army member Phillip Griffin from Vancouver, Wash. “I know it’s a way for me to help someone who may be having a worse day than I am and it’s something big to me to help them with this little gesture.”
