SAN DIEGO —
The San Diego Loyal Soccer Club on Tuesday announced a partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital and the Conrad Prebys Foundation to raise money for the hospital’s fight against the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Last week, the hospital announced a $350,000 matching grant from the foundation to fund the creation of 3D-printed nasal swabs, protective face shields, and other critically needed materials to protect health care workers on the frontlines as well as patients and families.
Through a virtual fundraising challenge, the SD Loyal is asking fans and locals to help the team reach their goal of $30,000 to, in turn, get the hospital closer to reaching its goal in partnership with the Conrad Prebys Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund.
“Like most of the world right now, we’re challenged to come up with creative ways to support our community during this unprecedented time,” said Warren Smith, president of SD Loyal. “We want to show support for our partners like Rady Children’s Hospital who have been at the forefront of childhood health care for more than 65 years.”
Starting Tuesday, soccer fans can register to join one of three teams led by Landon Donovan, Carrie Taylor and Nate Miller. Each team will use social media-fueled challenges to raise money through May 2. That date was to be the hospital’s annual Dream Big Walk which was put on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
SD Loyal players will be taking to social media to announce weekly challenges, sweepstakes, and team updates. Challenge winners and donors will be eligible for prizes and unique experiences courtesy of SD Loyal.
“Rady Children’s is an invaluable community resource—caring for more than 9 out of 10 children in our neighborhoods,” said Landon Donovan, EVP of soccer operations and first team manager of SD Loyal. “Connecting our soccer family to the great work the doctors, nurses and hospital staff are doing right now—for all San Diegans—is a meaningful way for us to spend our time while we’re practicing safe social distancing.”
Click here to register for one of the SD Loyal’s fundraising teams.
------------------------------------------------------------
View all News 8 coverage of coronavirus / COVID-19
News 8 has joined forces with The San Diego Foundation to raise immediate, emergency funds for our most vulnerable neighbors in need. Here is how you can help.
We also have a Frequently Asked Questions page we will continue updating with the latest information and reports.
Click here to watch "Facts Not Fear," a News 8 Special on coronavirus from March 26, 2020.
BACKGROUND
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, as with any other respiratory illness:
Know how it spreads
There is no vaccine
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus
It is thought to spread mainly from person-person between people in close contact
And believed to be spread by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Protect yourself
Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds
If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourselves and others
Protect others
Stay home when you are sick
Wear a facemask if you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
If you don't have tissue, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow
Immediately wash your hands after coughing and sneezing
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
You can find information on disinfecting and cleaning on the CDC's How to Protect Yourself page.
The California Department of Public Health has issued guidance on the use of cloth face coverings to protect against the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
The County of San Diego has made face coverings mandatory for those working with the public including grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and similar businesses.
While officials say these face coverings are not a substitute for practices like social distancing and handwashing, there is evidence to suggest that the use of cloth face coverings by the public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission. Officials do not recommend the public use N-95 or surgical masks which are needed by health care workers and first responders.
