PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Union fans will be able to volunteer in the community and get rewards from the soccer club through their U-Serve program.
Philadelphia Union staff help to launch the U-Serve program by packing food items in boxes for Philabundance, sewing pillowcases for non-profit Ryan’s Case for Smiles, and learning hands-on CPR from the American Heart Association.
Ned Bloom with American Red Cross said Union fans can sign up to volunteer for several opportunities, including becoming a blood donor ambassador.
"They welcome our donors. They make for a more positive experience at blood drives. They make everything run safer," said Bloom.
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"We save more lives because we collect more blood when there are volunteers in attendance."
“We are thoroughly grateful to be a part of this kickoff initiative that they have with the U-Serve platform and be able to work with their volunteers to feed the families in the communities," added Chelsea Short, a spokesperson for Philabundance.
Philadelphia Union President Tim McDermott said the U-Serve platform is unique.
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“It’s a one of a kind, and a first of its kind in pro sports in creating a network of not-for-profit organizations and then allowing our fans to volunteer at those organizations, and when they do so they will earn points for rewards such as tickets, merchandise and unique Union experiences,” said McDermott.
“It’s really a way to galvanize an entire fan base, an entire community [to] do good, to have an impact to create change. And, oh by the way, if you are a Union fan, you get some rewards for doing so."
Fans can enroll starting in January at u-serve.org.
