(TSX / STATS) — Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt intended to lend a hand on Sunday when he started an online fundraiser to aid the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
Watt’s initial goal for the fundraiser was $200,000. On Thursday, the total surpassed $10 million, with daytime host Ellen DeGeneres presenting a $1 million check courtesy of Walmart to the initiative. DeGeneres had already pledged $50,000 of her own money for the relief efforts.
“What you’re doing is incredible. We want to help,” DeGeneres told Watts via FaceTime in an episode that will air on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Sept. 7. “Walmart is on track to donate over $20 million in cash and supplies to Hurricane Harvey relief. But, that is not all. Walmart is also donating $1 million to J.J.’s relief effort right now.”
Watt was admittedly stunned by DeGeneres’ generosity.
“I have no words,” Watt said. “Thank you. Thank you to you, thank you to Walmart. I promise you that I will make this money go a long way. I promise you that I will help these victims directly. I promise it will help rebuild Houston.”
Singer Miley Cyrus also reached into her wallet and pledged to donate $500,000 to the cause.
“I’m really happy to help (in) anyway that I can,” Cyrus said, “and I hope people understand and can put themselves in those people’s shoes and just know what it feels like to have everything taken away from you.”
Photo credit – Getty Images / Houston, TX
