The drive’s GoFundMe web page, created whereas Hamlin was a university participant at Pittsburgh, had aimed to lift $2,500 for a day-care heart run by his mom, Nina, in his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pa., exterior of Pittsburgh.
The GoFundMe web page resurfaced shortly after Hamlin absorbed successful to his higher physique, stood up after which fell to the bottom earlier than being given CPR by medical personnel. Hundreds of well-wishers nationwide have donated — and the determine continues to climb.
The NFL postponed the sport as followers and members of the sporting world provided prayers for the 24-year-old Buffalo Payments security, who stays at College of Cincinnati Medical Middle in vital situation.
“As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I’ll always remember the place I come from and I’m dedicated to utilizing my platform to positively influence the neighborhood that raised me,” Hamlin wrote on the fundraising web page again in 2020, explaining that he had created the “Chasing M’s Foundation” to help run the toy drive.
Hamlin stated he arrange the toy drive to “assist make the vacation season just a little brighter for the children in our neighborhood,” noting that one hundred pc of the funds raised can be used to buy toys for younger folks in want, and that he hoped to “positively influence youngsters who’ve been hardest hit by the pandemic.”
Whereas the GoFundMe web page was established in 2020, Hamlin has continued to host toy drives since. An Instagram put up shared by Hamlin on Christmas Day exhibits scenes from a latest occasion.
Within the video, youngsters bounce up and down in pleasure surrounded by presents and purple and inexperienced balloons.
“We’re doing it for the children, they’re having a great time, man,” Hamlin tells the digital camera earlier than signing merchandise and posing for pictures with youngsters on the occasion.
On social media Tuesday, many proceed to share the hyperlink to Hamlin’s toy drive, encouraging folks to donate as folks around the globe await information relating to the star’s situation.
“Hyperlink to Damar Hamlin toy drive. At lease we will do one thing to assist whereas all of us really feel so helpless,” read one tweet. “Clearly not quite a bit that our soccer neighborhood can do in occasions like this but it surely prices nothing to share the hyperlink and contribute to a trigger he’s invested in,” read another.
GoFundMe additionally posted a hyperlink to Hamlin’s fundraiser, stating it was a verified campaign, and including: “Following his damage on the sphere tonight, followers throughout the nation are exhibiting their assist for him and his household by donating to his fundraiser.”
Ira Turner, Hamlin’s agent, told NFL Community late Monday that he didn’t have any additional information on the star.
“Please proceed to wish for Damar and his household,” Turner stated. “We presently haven’t any replace at the moment.”
Mark Maske and Adam Kilgore contributed to this report.
