Colin Kaepernick begins humanitarian effort for Somalia famine relief
Colin Kaepernick is still without a job for the 2017 season, but he’s been spending his time in pursuits far more noble than reading NFL defenses. Kaepernick, in association with a charitable effort known as Love Army for Somalia, has helped convince Turkish Airlines to donate the use of a 60-ton airplane to help ferry necessary food and supplies to war-torn regions in Somalia. Kaepernick announced the news via Twitter:
We got the plane! Now it's time to raise funds for food and water. You can donate at https://t.co/5BzrLjT3SO #LoveArmyForSomalia pic.twitter.com/sAKX2t9tdd
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) March 17, 2017
“We’ll make sure every cent goes to helping these people,” Kaepernick said. “This is a victory for the people, this is a victory for the people of Somalia. It was done out of love, out of respect for these people.”
Love Army for Somalia raised more than $300,000 of its $1 million goal in its first five hours. Turkish Airlines confirmed its participation in the humanitarian effort:
Ready for take off to help Somalia ❤ ✈ @jeromejarre @redhourben @chakabars @eljuanpazurita #LoveArmyForSomalia #TurkishAirlines4Somalia pic.twitter.com/srVkpDYi09
— Turkish Airlines (@TurkishAirlines) March 17, 2017
Kaepernick, as you may recall, drew plenty of heat last season for his decision to kneel during the national anthem. At the time, many of his critics said if he was so unhappy with the United States, he ought to do something to help. (Along with other, far less respectful critiques.) Now, Kaepernick is doing exactly that.
“This is amazing,” Kaepernick said. “Let’s keep building, let’s keep going.”
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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION, on sale now at Amazon or wherever books are sold. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.
