Native Irishman and MMA champion Conor McGregor donated $1 million to a U.S. charity for families of first responders in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
“I have always had deep respect for first responders who are not only selfless but also fearless in performing their duties,” McGregor said. “They are willing to risk it all for perfect strangers.”
McGregor, along with his company, Proper Twelve Whiskey, announced on Tuesday he was donating to the New York-based Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation, which is named for a firefighter who died on 9/11.
The organization supports families of law enforcement officers and firefighters around the nation who died trying to save others.
“We are so proud to partner with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor these proper heroes. The foundation’s goal is to ensure stability and security for these families facing sudden tragic loss,” McGregor said.
Proper No. Twelve Whiskey (@ProperWhiskey) is donating $1 Million Dollars in the USA to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, paying off mortgages for families of law enforcement officers and firefighters across the country ? @TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/FfGdIDT0cz
— TheMacLife (@Maclifeofficial) March 10, 2020
The foundation was thrilled to receive the check, it said, emphasizing that many lives will be changed by the charitable act.
“Conor, you’re gonna change the lives of many great heroes and the families left behind,” said Frank Siller, who is the brother of fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller.
“You’re telling them that people care, that America cares and that if somebody goes out there and gives their kids a kiss goodbye and doesn’t come home, Conor McGregor is gonna make sure that those families are taken care of.”
Siller added: “Thank you and God bless you, Conor.”
McGregor said he plans to spend the holiday in Dublin this year but told the New York Post he looks forward to visiting the United States soon, though that will probably be after his next fight.
“Most likely after my next fight. I know you will ask when that will happen, and my answer is, ‘Keep guessing.'”
