Damar Hamlin hosts Chasing M’s Foundation Back-to-School Drive, Youth Football Clinic and CPR Event with American Heart Association, Verizon and Buffalo PAL
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 - Damar Hamlin’s charity, the Chasing M’s Foundation, held its annual back-to-school drive, youth football clinic, and CPR education event for youth and families today in Buffalo. Held at Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium with the American Heart Association, Verizon, Buffalo Bills Foundation, Buffalo PAL and Bevel: A Men’s Grooming brand, the event provided free backpacks and school supplies for 500 kids, including a football clinic, games, food, and barbers offering haircuts and braids. Participants were encouraged to learn Hands-Only CPR training through the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, which works to turn bystanders into lifesavers through awareness and education.
“Today is all about giving the kids a fun day and showing support for them as they head back to school,” said Hamlin. “This event has become an annual one that I look forward to, with time on the field to run drills, food, activities and the chance for kids and parents to learn CPR. My team and our partners want to send these kids home with not just new school supplies and memories of a fun day, but positive energy as they head back to class.”
“We are incredibly proud to support such an impactful event that will help so many local students get ready to start the new school year,” said Chris Flood, Atlantic North Market President, Verizon. “It is an honor to stand alongside Damar and this dedicated team to help make a difference in the Buffalo community and create a fun, memorable and educational day for these amazing kids and their families.”
“On behalf of the American Heart Association, we are so thankful that Damar continues to lend his voice as the national ambassador of the Nation of Lifesavers initiative,” said Jennifer Pratt, National Account Director, American Heart Association. “Devastatingly, of the 350,000 people who have a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year – only 1 in 10 people survive. Damar’s efforts to help people learn Hands-Only CPR shows that each of us has the power to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest.”
The American Heart Association is the worldwide leader in resuscitation science, education, and training and publishes the official guidelines for CPR. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important. Only 40% of people who suffer a cardiac arrest receive CPR from a bystander. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.
“As we continue to build an inclusive city of opportunity for all people in Buffalo, I want to thank Damar Hamlin and his Chasing M’s Foundation for his commitment to this back-to-school event which enables us to provide hundreds of young people with fun on the field, food, activities, free backpacks and school supplies, as well as a lesson on the lifesaving skills of Hands-Only CPR,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “I am so proud of this event and all of its supporters and partners. Their collective efforts reflect our shared commitment to education as we work together to empower the next generation towards success in school, and beyond, by providing them with the necessary tools and resources they need to succeed.”
"The Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL) is excited to join Damar Hamlin and the Chasing M's Foundation for their annual back-to-school drive, youth football clinic, and CPR education event for youth and families", said Buffalo PAL Executive Director Nekia Kemp. "This event helps many City of Buffalo families prepare for a successful school year by providing backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and braids for youth just in time for their first day of school. In addition, the youth receive CPR training and create wonderful memories running football drills with Damar Hamlin, which is a fantastic way to end their summer vacation."
Supporting organizations include The Buffalo Police Department, City of Buffalo, National Grid Power, The Teacher’s Desk, Bank on Buffalo, Signature Cuts, GR8 Elite Ducks Parent Organization, Phi Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Councilwoman Leah Halton-Pope, Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Kappa Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
ABOUT CHASING M’s FOUNDATION
Damar Hamlin’s charity is dedicated to the development, health & safety of youth through sports, engagement activities, training & programming. Since experiencing cardiac arrest on January 2, 2023, Hamlin has been dedicated to increasing awareness of the need for CPR training and AED access, advocating for legislation, and launching his Chasing M’s CPR Tour to give back to others. Given an unexpected life mission, Hamlin is passionate about creating programs and initiatives to encourage young people to live their dreams and inspire others who face adversity. To learn more, go to: https://www.chasingmsfoundation.com.