Earlier this week, Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans and the state of Louisiana hard, causing some of the worst floods the state has seen in years as well as significant damage.
Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette, who was born in New Orleans and lived through Hurricane Katrina back in 2005, is stepping up and doing his part to help with Hurricane Ida relief. He has donated $100,000 and told reporters on Thursday that he plans to speak with teammates this week in hopes of getting their support as well.
“I went through Katrina. I want to use my platform to help out my city and everyone that is around Louisiana. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that. I donated $100,000 out of my own money just to help people out in New Orleans and all over Louisiana, whoever is going through something or whoever needed something. Tomorrow, I’m having a meeting with the team and to see who wants to give something to the funding to help out. That’s the big thing. Hopefully, it’s successful to help out those who are in need.”
Fournette said that with homes having been left devastated, evacuation orders in effect and the potential for people to run out of food and gas, there are a lot of needs in his home state right now. His hope is to use his platform not only to give his own support but to potentially encourage others to step up with theirs as well.
Asked on Thursday about his experience with Hurricane Katrina, Fournette had this to say:
“We had to start all over. We had to get a new house and things like that. We stayed in Corpus Christi, Texas after leaving New Orleans. That’s where we went to, I think it’s called like Taft, something like that. So, we went there and kind of had to restart then move back home.”
Having been born in New Orleans and having experienced the effects of Katrina, this is clearly a cause near to the 26-year-old’s heart. The former LSU Tiger has never been shy about his love for his home state. In fact, in April of 2020, Fournette gave more than 50,000 meals to a South Louisiana food bank in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he’s giving back once again.
It’s time to step up. The New Orleans community is being hit hard by Hurricane Ida and in need of the world’s support. I am supporting the following organizations in its relief efforts to provide my beloved city and its families, children and individuals with basic necessities. pic.twitter.com/lZTmO2P0Y4
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) August 30, 2021
I’m putting up my own 100k for my city everything and anything helps let’s keep it going…… luv my city
— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) August 31, 2021
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