Damar Hamlin’s GoFundMe Toy Drive launched in December 2020 to raise $2,500 for families impacted by pandemic waves to over $3 MILLION – after Bills security collapsed and he was hospitalized
A toy ride fundraiser started by NFL star Damar Hamlin in 2020 has skyrocketed to $3 million after the Buffalo Bills’ security collapsed on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals Monday.
Hamlin is in critical condition in hospital after needing CPR following his tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter. The 24-year-old got up briefly before falling backwards to the ground.
As Hamlin has received tributes and messages of support, a Go FundMe fundraiser he started just over two years ago – to buy toys for children over the holidays – has received an incredible boost.
A toy drive started by Damar Hamlin has received an incredible boost after the Buffalo Bills’ on-field safety collapsed against the Cincinnati Bengals
The fundraiser originally hoped to raise $2,500 — now it’s exploded to $3 million
His original goal was to raise just $2,500 for families during the pandemic, and eventually the Toy Drive rose to $2,921 – but it’s now jumped to $2.5 million following Hamlin’s incident.
Earlier, Hamlin opened up about why he started the Toy Drive and said he thinks it’s important for children to have role models in their lives.
“Only see role models in person. I feel like that’s a big part of kids’ lives, and we haven’t always had that in Pittsburgh,” he said.
“Just being younger and seeing the difference from some people who had those role models in their lives.
Buffalo Bills’ Cam Lewis and Siran Neal react to teammate Hamlin’s meltdown
Hamlin stressed the need for role models after originally announcing his 2020 Toy Drive
“It could be you, all you have to do is work hard, stay focused. I am grateful that I can even be in this position to give back.”
After Hamlin was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center on Monday, his friend and marketing rep Jordon Rooney said on Twitter: “His vitals are back to normal and they euthanized him to put a breathing tube down his throat. They are currently running tests.
“We will provide updates as soon as we have them.”
Hamlin was surrounded by players from both sides and treated for 16 minutes before being immobilized and taken off the field. Players from both teams were visibly stunned by what had happened and many cried on the field. The game was postponed by the NFL.
Bills players watch as Hamlin is placed in an ambulance and taken to the hospital
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen reacts to teammate Hamlin’s injury
Teammate Stefon Diggs later joined Hamlin in the hospital. About 100 Bills fans and a few Bengals fans gathered on a corner a block from the ER entrance, some holding candles.
As medical personnel gathered around Hamlin, his playing uniform was cut off.
Hamlin’s agent Ira Turner told NFL Network, “Please continue to pray for Damar and his family. We currently have no update. Will ask you to keep the family in your prayers.”
Higgins, the man Hamlin tackled, tweeted: “My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIsland (and) the Hamlin family. I pray you make it through, brother. Love.’
Bills cornerback Siran Neal (33) and running back Nyheim Hines (20) hug
A statement released by the league said: “Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field from the team and independent medical workers and local paramedics. He was then taken to a local hospital, where he is in critical condition.
“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available. The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association, which agrees to postpone the game.
Bill’s players visibly prayed for their teammate after he was forced out. According to ESPN, Hamlin’s family watched the game and came down to be with him as he left in the ambulance.