Chicago police soccer clubs to host fundraiser for Colombia earthquake relief
At least 281 killed in 7.4 magnitude quake as rescue operations continue
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Police Department men's and women's soccer clubs are hosting a fundraiser next weekend to benefit victims of a deadly 7.4 earthquake that hit Colombia earlier this week.
The event will be held Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, 1412 W. Washington Blvd. in Chicago.
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A 7.4 magnitude quake struck the South American country Monday, killing more than 280 people and leaving hundreds more missing.
The death toll rose Thursday to 281, authorities said, with other 348 people rescued as operations continue.
Over 3,900 people were reported injured, with nearly 12,600 homes destroyed and more than 74,800 homes damaged, according to David Santiago Tamayo, director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management.
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The devastation has tested Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, and his government as they scramble to respond while aid groups seek to help the hardest hit communities.
De la Espriella said Wednesday that nearly 500 people were reported missing, though civilian-run databases put that number at more than 4,200. In total, more than 25,800 families have been affected, de la Espriella said.
Several Chicago police officers are heading to Colombia later this month, fundraiser organizers told ABC7.
The CPD Soccer Club teams have visited Colombia in the past.
The Aug. 23 fundraiser in Chicago will be held in collaboration with the 12th annual Colombian Fest Chicago and South Fork United, a nonprofit organization.
Donations can be made through Zelle to CPDSoccer@gmail.com and by check to South Fork United, PO Box 1724, East Quogue, NY 11942.
Questions about the fundraiser can be directed to Scott Florez at 773-617-3506.
More information will be availble on the @CPDSoccer Instagram page.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
