FRESNO GRIZZLIES TAKE ACTION AGAINST POTABLE WATER SHORTAGES IN THE SOUTH VALLEY
FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Grizzlies, Coca-Cola, El Centro, and Ovations Food Services will be donating over 300 cases of Dasani bottled water to the city of Porterville on Tuesday, June 9th. The donation pick up will occur at Chukchansi Park on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. PT with Grizzlies’ players, front office staff, Coca-Cola and El Centro representatives, and Ovations Food Services personnel loading Fed-Ex trucks destined for the Porterville Area Coordinating Council.
“The drought is affecting the entire Valley and it has progressed to where residents are living without potable water,” stated Fresno Grizzlies GM Derek Franks. “Think about that. We have American citizens living without access to potable water. We realize a few hundred cases of water will go only so far, but we hope to duplicate that amount with our water drive during all four Fresno Grizzlies games this upcoming homestand.”
Fans attending any Fresno Grizzlies game June 6th through June 9th can lend a hand by donating a case of bottled water in exchange for a complimentary ticket voucher to a Grizzlies home game June 18-25. The drop off point will be stationed inside of the Gate 2 entrance off H Street.
There have been 1,221 cumulative reported well failures in Tulare County, with 720 occurring in Porterville alone. Other cities suffering include Visalia, Tulare, Cutler/Orosi, and Dinuba. The Workforce Investment Board has reported 276 employees that have been laid off or have had their work hours reduced due to the drought.
“This comes down to helping our own,” added Franks. “The Valley is made up of resourceful individuals whose strength has been tested during this drought. We want to make sure the South Valley knows we’re here to support them.”
Those interested in making a monetary donation to assist in drought relief can do so through the American Red Cross, Central California. Please specify Tulare County drought relief in the donation.
Interim Health Care of the Central Valley has been a constant advocate for supporting those affected by the drought. Learn more about their cause by going to their website at interimhealthcare.com or by contacting Kris Payne at 559.224.0560.
