With Buffalo Bills security Damar Hamlin at the moment in important situation after collapsing on the sphere towards the Bengals, the overwhelming emotion inside the league and for anybody following the scary scenario is worry and fear. In a single particular case, nonetheless, that worry and fear have translated to an unbelievable demonstration of solidarity and generosity.
Within the hours following Hamlin’s collapse, 1000’s of individuals flooded the GoFundMe of his charity, The Chasing M’s Foundation Toy Drive. The drive, which most just lately offered presents this previous December, has blown the earlier objective of $2,500 out of the water with $6.4 million in donations as of Wednesday afternoon.
Moreover, Fanatics announced that proceeds from Hamlin’s No. 3 Bills jersey will go to his toy drive. Gross sales for the gear have skyrocketed as one of many highest-selling jerseys on the location
Most of the donations included effectively needs and prayers for the 24-year-old.
The donations all go to assist present presents for kids in Hamlin’s hometown of McKees Rocks in western Pennsylvania.
“As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me,” Hamlin wrote on the donation web page initially launched again in 2020.
A four-star recruit out of Central Catholic Excessive Faculty in Philadelphia, Hamlin was extremely recruited, incomes provides from prime applications together with Notre Dame, Ohio State and Clemson.
He in the end opted to keep shut to residence, citing his want to function a task mannequin for his youthful brother, Damir, and landed at Pitt. Hamlin spent 5 seasons with the Panthers earlier than being drafted by the Bills within the sixth spherical of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Hamlin’s dedication to the toy drive and dedication to his hometown is clear in his social media. His most up-to-date Instagram publish highlighted the 2022 Toy Drive.
Fans must also beware of people who might make alternate GoFundMe pages requesting money in Hamlin’s place.
Hamlin’s basis is the central place for individuals who would really like to donate.