José Berríos helps make dreams come true for kids in Canada with new charitable initiative 'El Dream', in support of Jays Care Foundation
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher José Berríos has been a long-time champion of empowering kids through baseball in his home of Puerto Rico. Now, the proud Dad of three brings his philanthropic efforts to his adopted home in Toronto and across Canada through his new charitable endeavour El Dream, supporting Jays Care Foundation.
José will be the official ambassador for three of Jays Care Foundation’s core programs: Girls At Bat, Challenger Baseball, and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI). José will visit young athletes from these programs in the community as they develop important life skills through baseball while also hosting them at games in the Jays Care Community Clubhouse at Rogers Centre.
In addition, José will take part in a variety of fundraising initiatives this season, including:
- Donating $500 USD for every strikeout he records during the 2024 regular season, rounding up to $100,000 USD
- Signing 100 limited-edition Gold Rawlings baseballs (purchase details here)
- Hosting fundraising events throughout the city (ticket information here)
All proceeds raised will go towards El Dream in Canada and José’s La Makina Foundation in Puerto Rico, both of which support kids facing barriers and help them find belonging on the baseball field, learn important life skills, realize their potential, and achieve their dreams.
“It has always been about the kids for me. I am very blessed and feel a responsibility to give back to the next generation. Canada has become my home away from home – I have received so much love and respect all across the country and want to give back and make an impact on kids. When a dream comes true, it is just the beginning.” – José Berríos, Toronto Blue Jays
“We are excited to partner with José on this initiative. His determination to empower youth in Puerto Rico is inspiring and we are grateful for his interest in expanding his impact to young people across Canada. José is an incredible role model both on and off the field, and the El Dream initiative will positively impact thousands of youth internationally. It is an honour to work alongside players like José, who share in our vision that every child deserves a place where they belong.” – Robert Witchel, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation
Members of the Jays Care team recently travelled to Puerto Rico to assist La Makina Foundation in establishing a Challenger Baseball program.
While extending his charitable efforts in Canada is new, caring for others and empowering youth is not. José has supported the community in his home of Puerto Rico for several years through his La Makina Foundation:
- Team La Makina – covers costs, travel, and equipment for Little League teams across Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico National Women’s Softball – purchases new equipment and uniforms, to help the team realize their international dreams
- Daguao Community Park – full renovation, to ensure youth have access to safe playing fields
- Lab Bayamon – full renovation, to create a performance pitching lab and provide resources needed for high-performing athletes to pursue a career in baseball
- El Dream Home Run Derby and Celebrity Softball Game – annual home run derby held at Roberto Clemente Stadium in Puerto Rico that fundraises for the initiatives listed above. José’s Blue Jays teammates attended the event this past offseason, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Puerto Rico helped shaped the person José Berríos is today. Growing up in Bayamón, a suburb of San Juan, José loved family, school, baseball, and helping others more than anything else. Take a trip back home with José in this episode of Extra Innings.