Damar Hamlin’s charity has raised more than $700K in just minutes after Bills safety collapses
While many around the country continue to pray for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field and was administered CPR before being driven away in an ambulance during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, they are also giving to his charitable organization.
It was reported that his community toy drive – The Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive – has raised more than $1 million Monday night since Hamlin’s injury.
Per the GoFundMe:
“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. I created The Chasing M’s Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact, and the first program is the 2020 Community Toy Drive. This campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. 100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need.
“The time to act is now, as we will be distributing toys on December 22nd from 3:30 to 5:30 PM from Kelly and Nina’s Daycare Center at 800 Russellwood Ave., McKees Rocks, PA 15136.
“If you are not able to contribute monetarily, you can support this initiative in other ways. We are accepting donated toys at the Daycare Center or simply spread the word by sharing this fundraiser on your social channels. Thank you so much for supporting me on and off the field. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with you to help make the holiday season a little brighter for the kids in our community.”
The charity, which had raised $2,500 prior to Monday, has received more than 41,000 donations at the time of this posting.
Monday night’s game was suspended after Hamlin’s injury. Hamlin collided with Bengals receiver Tee Higgins after a completion. He got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, and then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless. Hamlin was surrounded by stunned players from both teams, and when he was taken off the field 16 minutes later, the Bills gathered in prayer. He was driven to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.