The Marlins, Global Empowerment Mission and Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP) hosted a Venezuelan relief packing event on Wednesday at GEM’s headquarters in Doral.
The event was part of the ongoing support for earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela and included two-time World Series champion and former Marlin Miguel Rojas, who is a shortstop for Tiburones de La Guaira.
“We’re here helping the Venezuelan community, following all the support that Venezuelans here in South Florida were able to provide as soon as the devastating tragedy struck Venezuela earlier this year, particularly in the state of La Guaira, the central region, Caracas and the state of Miranda,” Rojas said via an interpreter.
“We’re here helping, packing some boxes to continue supporting these families and reminding them that they’re not alone and that we’re still thinking about them. I think the most important thing for us as players is that when the tragedy happened, we weren’t able to be there in person to actively help, unless we happened to be near one of these donation collection centers.
“And the truth is, the Marlins' players, the Miami Marlins community, and even the manager, Clayton McCullough, showed up with their families to participate in these types of initiatives. I’m truly happy to have the opportunity to be here now, helping and actively participating.”
On Saturday and Sunday, loanDepot park will host games between LVBP clubs Tiburones and Navegantes del Magallanes as part of Choque de Gigantes.
Fans can further help these relief efforts through the series’ charitable initiatives: portions of the proceeds from select ticket sales, commemorative souvenir cups and 50/50 raffles will go to benefiting GEM and We Love Venezuela Foundation. There will also be a collection of donated relief supplies at loanDepot park.
For tickets and more information, visit Marlins.com/Choque.
“Miami is a community that I consider my second home,” Rojas said. “Obviously, I’m Venezuelan at heart, but this community here in South Florida is where my children have grown up and where I’ve spent the last several years of my life. And honestly, this is something that means a lot to me. I feel it very close to my heart, and it’s something that means a great deal to my entire family.
“That’s why, as a Venezuelan, being here and having the opportunity to help feels incredibly special to me. Of course, I hope that everything we’ve collected and packed today continues to reach the people who need it most, especially families who continue to hold on to their faith and hope as they work to rebuild their futures and move forward.
“And I know that the more people who come together to support these initiatives, the easier it will be for those families to overcome these challenges and move forward.”