Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai directly asks fans for support for Hawaii
Earlier this month, wildfires erupted across the Hawaiian island of Maui, killing many residents, leaving many missing, and destroying land across the island forcing residents to be homeless. And for one Patriots player, he has personal ties to the state where so many are struggling. Jahlani Tavai went to the University of Hawaii from 2014 […]
Earlier this month, wildfires erupted across the Hawaiian island of Maui, killing many residents, leaving many missing, and destroying land across the island forcing residents to be homeless.
And for one Patriots player, he has personal ties to the state where so many are struggling.
Jahlani Tavai went to the University of Hawaii from 2014 to 2018, along with his father and girlfriend both being Hawaiian. With these personal ties, he wants to do all he can to help the victims of the wildfires.
“I know you guys want to talk about football — and I’m going to answer those questions — but right now I just want to take the time to remind people that things are going bad out there in Hawaii,” Tavai said following Thursday's joint practice session with the Green Bay Packers. “I’m not sure if people are watching the news, but there was a big fire and I know plenty of people that were affected by those fires. People who lost homes. People who lost family members, friends. I know a lot of people have been asking our media, myself included, how they can help and support. I can finally be able to present that."
"And I know a lot of people have been asking our media, myself included, on how they can help support and I can finally be able to present that. One way people out there can, especially our fans, can help is by donating to families that are in need directly," Tavai added. "On my Instagram, on my social media, I have a link on my bio that literally it shows all the families that are going through this struggle and I know a lot of my teammates and myself have done our best to donate as much as we can, and I just ask that anybody in the world right now who's watching, out of the kindness of their hearts, to give."
In his Instagram bio, Tavai has a spreadsheet linked where people can donate directly to the victims and their families, with descriptions about what they have lost.
He also listed the Kākoʻo Maui Fundn, which is through the Native Hawaiian Advancement and are matching every dollar donated. That along with the Maui Strong Fund and the Nā Wahine Toa Foundation are other places to give back.
"The Hawaiian community out there is struggling right now, especially with their families gone and their land gone." Tavai said. “It’s tough times… All of Lahaina right now is just trying to find resources. A lot of things shut down for them. Right now, they’re just asking for help. Any way possible to help the Hawaiian community and the people of Lahaina… they’re just doing their best to survive.”
Tavai added that fellow teammate Deatrich Wise was the first to come up to him after everything happened, asking what he can do to help. And since then, many other teammates have also joined the efforts to help those affected.
"From afar we are doing our best to either send, there's kids that need stuff. There's diapers, there's formulas, they need gas, they need all that stuff, and the way that we can help is, if has to be money, it will be money," Tavai said. "A lot of my teammates actually sent me clothes and I was able to send that out yesterday, so I'm hoping that we can help whoever is in need. So there is going to be a lot of Patriot gear out in Hawaii hopefully soon, so I hope that we can just spread more love out there."
The Maui wildfires have claimed the lives of 111 people, with many still unaccounted for. It has also left many homeless, with victims being forced into living in "uncomfortable group shelters," while they scramble to find additional housing. However, they are setting aside multiple hotel rooms along with having the help of AirBnB's who is going to provide locations to accommodate 1,000 people.
Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports
