Fans have showed their support for National Football League star Damar Hamlin, who is in a critical condition after collapsing during a primetime game.
The Buffalo Bills safety, 24, fell to the ground after colliding with another player and was treated on the field for more than 30 minutes after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The 2021 NFL draft pick was then taken to a local hospital and the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals was suspended.
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He is currently sedated and in a critical condition at The University of Cincinnati Medical Center, ESPN reports.
The on-field emergency has led to an outpouring of well-wishes for Hamlin and as a sign of their support, people are donating Hamlin’s GoFundMe fundraising page for a toy drive charity.
Twitter user B.W. Carlin (@BaileyCarlin) circulated the link shortly after Hamlin’s emergency with a link and their own $100 donation.
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It didn’t take long for other donations to start pouring in and the page has now surpassed its $2,500 goal with an incredible total of $3,138,840 at the time of writing.
Donations to Hamlin’s GoFundMe will be used to buy toys for children in need as a way to give back to the community that ‘raised’ him.
Hamlin's message reads: “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.
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“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 percent of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need.”
People can also donate toys they no longer need or help by spreading word about the charity on social media.
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Hamlin added: “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.”
You can donate to Hamlin's GoFundMe here.
Gregory Robinson