Whether you’re an NFL fan or not, you’ve probably heard news of Damar Hamlin’s collapse on the field on Monday night.
There’s no way to describe it other than heartbreaking. Obviously, everyone is hoping for Hamlin’s safety. To see someone just collapse on the field in the middle of a game like that is terrifying. It’s why the game was suspended indefinitely and it’s why it’s time for the NFL to seriously discuss new safety standards for players.
In the meantime, though, fans felt like they needed to do something to help or, at the very least, bring some positivity to the situation.
So they donated to his charity in droves.
Hamlin hosts an annual toy drive and posts a Gofundme link to it every year. It’s nothing too crazy — just Hamlin being a great dude and donating toys to children in his hometown for the holidays. Here’s what that looks like.
Damar Hamlin’s third annual toy drive is approaching $1M in donations. His original goal was $2,500. Thank you to everyone who donated to Damar in his selfless efforts to help kids in need. Here is the link to his charity as well:https://t.co/tcFOCC6vqD pic.twitter.com/EQOXB31Olw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 3, 2023
UPDATE: This year, his goal was just $2,500. Since his collapse on the field. On Tuesday, that number hit $3.5 million. As of this update — around 11 a.m. ET — the charity has raised just over $7 million. ESPN’s Coley Harvey has more.
From this morning on @SportsCenter, an update on Damar Hamlin’s GoFundMe that has ballooned since Monday night. Started in 2020 when he just wanted to raise $2,500 for a toy drive … now more than $7 million has been raised. pic.twitter.com/0PI1yoe59Q
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) January 5, 2023
Obviously, this doesn’t fix what has happened. We’re all still pulling for Hamlin’s safety and good health. But, at the very least, this is something Hamlin would love to see. And it’d be an awesome thing for him to wake up to these numbers.
Let’s hope it happens soon.
