The award recognizes Montero's efforts to raise funds and awareness for the massive floods and devastation throughout his native country of Colombia.
Read: 2/7/2011 - Eternally Grateful
RENTON, Wash. - Major League Soccer and the Seattle Sounders FC today announced forward Fredy Montero was selected as the MLS W.O.R.K.S. "Humanitarian of the Month" for March. The award recognizes Montero's efforts to raise funds and awareness for the massive floods and devastation throughout his native country of Colombia.
Back in December, heavy rains caused flooding and mudslides in Montero's hometown of Campo de la Cruz, Colombia. While the Sounders and their supporters responded with fundraisers in Seattle, Montero flew to Colombia to support his family and neighbors. More than two million Colombians have been affected by the disaster.
Mercy Corps, Sounders FC, Emerald City Supporters, Gorilla FC and the North End Faithful in addition to Sounders FC fans throughout the country joined to raise more than $29,000 to help flood relief efforts.
Three of the Sounders FC players hail from Colombia (Montero, Miguel Montaño, and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado), where Mercy Corps has worked since 2007 to help survivors of Latin America's longest-running conflict. They're working with the most vulnerable residents - landmine survivors, displaced families, at-risk children - in the areas most affected by violence.
Meanwhile, Montero continues to contribute to the efforts.
"I tried to give my best because too many people are in need of help. It's very sad because your family has the problem," said Montero. "I'm going to help for as long as they need. Nothing is done yet. We have to keep helping until it's better."
MLS W.O.R.K.S. is Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS W.O.R.K.S. seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport.
To donate to Mercy Corps' Colombian Flood Relief efforts visit http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/seattlesoundersfc
