New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his wife announced Thursday that they will be donating $5 million to charities to help Louisianans during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The priority now is helping our communities get through this tough time,” Brees wrote in an Instagram post sharing the news.
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“After considerable research and conversations with local organizations, we will be mobilizing our partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, Ochsner Health Systems, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Smalls Sliders and Waitr to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana for as long as it takes to children on meal programs, seniors, and families in need,” he added. “Let’s all do our part, maintain hope, and get through this together.”
There have been nearly 1,800 confirmed coronavirus cases in Louisiana, which have led to 65 deaths as of Wednesday afternoon, according to 4WWL. The state is considered to be one of the next potential hot spots for the spread of the virus in part because it recorded the world’s highest average daily growth rate, 65.7%, in the first 15 days since an initial diagnosis, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
Brees, who has played for New Orleans for more than a decade, provided relief to the city both on and off of the field after the state was ravaged by Hurricane Katina. The quarterback’s foundation assisted rebuilding projects after the major storm hit in 2005, and he was the catalyst that brought the city its first and only Super Bowl victory in 2010.
