When it comes to performing acts of compassion, there’s no one too young to take action. Look no further than 7-year-old Alex Ibarra, a huge soccer fan who is making a difference in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Alex is giving his signed Christian Pulisic jersey to an auction that will benefit Puerto Rico.
Alex is a soccer player himself, and also the Junior Capo for American Outlaws Oakland. When he learned that much of Puerto Rico is still without electricity, water and other necessarily supplies for living, he stepped up and decided to donate his most prized jersey, one that was inked by U.S. Men’s National Team star Christian Pulisic. He met Pulisic at a U.S. Qualifier match in San Jose, Calif.
“I saw that it [Puerto Rico] was in big trouble. A lot of people had no food and no water and no electricity. So, I thought raising money would help,” he told Men in Blazers.
According to Alex, who announced what he’s doing on Twitter, the auction takes place Friday night at the AO Oakland’s watch party as the USMNT takes on Panama in a World Cup qualifier.
We will be raffling off a special item at our Oct. 6th viewing party donated by our Jr. capo, Alex. All proceeds benefit Puerto Rico relief! pic.twitter.com/Wedb1lhGJ5
— AO Oakland (@AOOakland) September 27, 2017
Alex’s mother, Carina Ibarra, is beyond proud, and rightfully so.
There will never be enough words to describe the joy Alex brings to my life. His selflessness stuns me. His passion for community lifts me.
— Carina Ibarra (@Aggie9) September 27, 2017
“A lot of people have got in the raffle and bought tickets. We have raised over $1,000,” Alex reported on Oct. 3. “A lot of people are excited to win this jersey. Other people have donated stuff…I hope a lot of people donate. There are more tickets, and I hope people buy them.”
Even if you’re not able to attend the watch party, you can still purchase raffle tickets here to support relief efforts for Puerto Rico, and possibly win Alex’s Pulisic jersey.
Way to be a leader, Alex.