Cubs Catcher Is Matching Donations For Hurricane Relief In Puerto Rico

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 21, 2017 10:40PM

Rene Rivera (right) / Getty Images / Photo: Jon Durr

Cubs catcher Rene Rivera and his wife, Mariel Perez, are both natives of Puerto Rico, so it's no surprise that they have been moved by the devastation inflicted on their homeland by Hurricane Maria.

To help those in need back home, Perez launched a GoFundMe campaign on Sept. 12, and in order to maximize support, Rivera has pledged to match donations. "The puertorrican Cubs have united forces to help!" wrote Perez on the fundraiser, which is called Ayudando a Puerto Rico (or "Helping Puerto Rico"). "Puerto Rico needs us more than ever, that is why we have joined forces to help any way we can. We have created this that will help rebuild our island. Every dollar counts! Please help us help!"

So far the campaign has raised more than $4000 of its $6000 goal. Some of today's donations have come courtesy of baseball wives such as Janisa Betances, wife of Yankee Dellin Betances, and Farrah Lester, wife of Cubs pitcher Jon Lester.

Donations can be made here.