Damar Hamlin’s Toy Drive started in 2020 surges to over $2.5M after he collapsing on the field 

A toy fundraiser started by NFL star Damar Hamlin in 2020 skyrocketed to $2.5 million after the Buffalo Bills safety collapsed on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday.

Hamlin is in critical condition in the hospital after requiring CPR following his tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins in the first quarter. The 24-year-old got up briefly before falling backwards to the ground.

As tributes and messages of support have poured in for Hamlin, a Go FundMe fundraiser that started just over two years ago – to buy toys for the children during the holidays – you have been given an incredible boost.

A Toy Drive started by Damar Hamlin got an incredible boost after the Buffalo Bills safety collapsed on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The fundraiser was initially expected to raise $2,500; it has now ballooned to $2.5 million.

Their initial goal was to raise just $2,500 for families during the pandemic and eventually Toy Drive increased to $2,921, but has now increased to $2.5 million in the wake of the Hamlin incident.

Previously, Hamlin spoke about why Toy Drive started, saying that he felt it was important for kids to have role models in their lives.

‘Only seeing role models in person. I feel like that’s important in kids’ lives and it’s something we haven’t always had in Pittsburgh,” she said.

‘Just being younger and seeing the difference of some people who had that role model in their life.

Buffalo Bills’ Cam Lewis and Siran Neal react to teammate Hamlin’s collapse

Hamlin stressed the need for role models after initially announcing his Toy Drive in 2020.

‘It could be you, all you have to do is work hard, stay focused. I’m 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 representative Jordon Rooney said on Twitter: “His vital signs returned to normal and he was put to sleep for a breathing tube. in the throat”. They are currently running tests.

“We will provide updates as we have them.”

Hamlin was surrounded by players from both sides and received treatment for 16 minutes before being pinned and carried off the field. Players from both teams were visibly stunned by what happened, with many crying on the field. The game was postponed by the NFL.

Bills players watch as Hamlin is taken to an ambulance and rushed to the hospital.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen reacts to teammate Hamlin’s injury

His 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 with some of them holding candles.

As medical personnel gathered around Hamlin, they cut off his game uniform.

Hamlin’s agent, Ira Turner, told NFL Network: ‘Please continue to pray for Damar and his family. We currently do not have any updates at this time. I will ask you to keep the family in his prayers.

Higgins, the man Hamlin was attacking, tweeted: ‘My thoughts and prayers are with @HamlinIsland (and) the Hamlin family. I’m praying you pull through, brother. Love.’

Bills cornerback Siran Neal (33) and running back Nyheim Hines (20) hug

A statement issued by the league read: ‘Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field from the team, independent medical personnel and local paramedics. He was then transported 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 has agreed to postpone the game.”

Bills players were visibly praying for their teammate after he was taken away. According to ESPN, Hamlin’s family was watching the game and came downstairs to be with him when he left in the ambulance.