Basketball legend Michael Jordan has pledged $1 million to help the Bahamas with its Hurricane Dorian relief efforts.
“I am devastated to see the destruction that Hurricane Dorian has brought to the Bahamas, where I own property and visit frequently,” Jordan said in a statement.
“My heart goes out to everyone who is suffering and to those who have lost loved ones.”
Jordan is arguably the most famous basketball player to date and is considered the greatest to ever play the game. He’s won five NBA Most Valuable Player Awards and six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards. He has also been named NBA Defensive Player of the Year twice, led the league in scoring ten times, and earned 14 All-Star game berths. His success led to him being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Since retiring from basketball, Jordan has retained close ties to the game. He’s currently the principal owner of the North Carolina Charlotte Hornets. Jordan is also an active philanthropist. Last year he donated $2 million to North Carolina after Hurricane Florence devastated the area.
Now Jordan is extending his help to the Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian caused massive devastation to the Abacos and Grand Bahama. The storm hovered over the islands for more than 48 hours, decimating the area. SO far 53 people have been declaring dead, but there are still more than 1,000 people missing. An estimated 90% of Abacao’s housing and infrastructure were damaged or destroyed, and around 70% of Grand Bahama was damaged as well.
Jordan owns a home on Paradise Island and is said to frequently visit. His aid is most welcome as relief efforts for the region are still ongoing. Many people in the area are still without food, water, electricity, and other necessities.
“The Bahamian people are strong and resilient, and I hope that my donation will be of help as they work to recover from this catastrophic storm,” Jordan said.