Miami, FL - City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, District 5, Mayor Manny Diaz, and Commissioner Tomas Regalado, District 3, will join representatives from Dolphin Stadium and the Miami Dolphins today at 3:30p.m., in the lobby of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, at 260 NE 59th Terrace, to announce the beginning of a joint effort between the City of Miami, Dolphin Stadium, and the Miami Dolphins to assist hurricane victims in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

As they kick-off this collection for the victims in Haiti, they will also remind Miami residents to be prepared for the possible landfall of Hurricane Ike.

The island has been affected by both Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna over the last two weeks, leaving many residents in dire need of food and emergency assistance.

The food and clothing drive will kick-off this Sunday, September 27, 2008 at the Miami Dolphin’s football game against the New York Jets at the Dolphin Stadium. Fans attending the game will be encouraged to bring canned goods and clothing to aide in the relief efforts in Haiti. The items donated from the game will be sent to Port-au-Prince Haiti.

The food and clothing drive will continue throughout the week of September 8-19. Food and clothing drops will be located at all City of Miami Fire Stations and Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) offices. Residents are encouraged to donate non perishable items and clothing.

Hurricane Gustav struck Haiti last week as a category 1 Hurricane, followed by Tropical Storm Hannah. Although the winds have passed, the torrential rains and flooding have not ceased .According to the Haitian government, the number of victims from the hurricane has increased to 758 and is steadily increasing. About 6,000 people are in shelters throughout the western and southeastern provinces. Approximately 250 houses are destroyed or damaged.

The City of Miami, Dolphin Stadium, and the Miami Dolphins are committed to assisting Haiti in its relief efforts.

Who: City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, City of Miami Commissioner Tomas Regalado, Representatives from the Miami Dolphins, Melky Jean ,sister of award winning recording artist Wyclef Jean and  the Haitian community.

What: Press conference to announce partnership between the City of Miami and the Miami Dolphins to aide victims in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

When: Friday, September 5, 2008, at 3:30 p.m.

Where:  Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 260 NE 59th Terrace