While players work to keep in shape during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there also has been a commitment to support those on the frontline. One of the latest instances saw multiple Los Angeles Dodgers players recognize National Nurses Day.
Justin Turner, Clayton Kershaw and Joc Pederson were among those to share an encouraging message on social media as nurses continue to play a central role in the fight against the coronavirus. Turner and Kershaw have previously supported local organizations in their relief efforts as well.
Turner and Kershaw quickly moved to organize with restaurants in Los Angeles, which then delivered food to The Dream Center that then was distributed to those in need. The Dream Center has surpassed 50 days of 11-hour food service, broken up amongst breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“We feel like we’re just kind of walking on water as far as the miracles that are happening to keep this thing going,” Dream Center founder Matthew Barnett recently told DodgerBlue.com.
“Justin Turner, Clayton Kershaw and all the Dodgers really, from Day 1 they stepped in and said, ‘We’ve got to make something happen. We know the kids are going to be in need. This is one of the only food banks within three miles of this area. We have got to step up and help them meet their needs during this time with the meals they are missing with school.’
Join me and other athletes around the world for #NationalNursesDay, as we honor the frontline healthcare heroes who inspire us. Make a jersey in their honor. Use #TheRealHeroes and lets have them feel the love! pic.twitter.com/0Ozt3Kq6kx
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) May 6, 2020
“So Justin, Clayton and the whole team started employing companies, keeping jobs and at the same time feeding thousands of people. It’s like a double victory. My heart is so overwhelmed with so much disbelief that all this is happening.”
Furthermore, Kershaw’s Challenge recently raised over $85,000 for The Dream Center and Behind Every Door (Dallas). Through the Justin Turner Foundation, Justin and Kourtney Turner have provided frontline workers with new pairs of Adidas shoes.
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Every $50 donation came with an entry to participate in a Zoom call with Kershaw. He memorably was unknowingly looped into one organized by ESPN employees after accepting an invitation from former teammate Brandon McCarthy.
Seven winners were selected for a one-on-one Zoom chat with Kershaw. The first 10 donors who pledged $5,000 to the campaign were scheduled for a 10-minute call with the longtime Dodgers ace.
The Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and iHeartMedia L.A. additionally have collaborated on relief efforts.
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