Dhane Smith Announces Donation Exceeding $15,000 to Support Victims' Families
May 22, 2022 - National Lacrosse League (NLL) - Buffalo Bandits News Release
The Bandits forward pledged $50 for every goal scored during Saturday's 10-9 win, which was matched by several others.
Buffalo Bandits forward Dhane Smith will donate $500 to the families of victims of the racist mass shooting on Buffalo's East Side, he announced Sunday on Twitter.
Smith pledged to donate $50 for every goal scored by the Bandits in Game 2 of their East Conference Finals series against Toronto on Saturday. The Bandits won 10-9 behind a six-point performance from Smith, who had two goals and four assists.
The donation will exceed $15,000 thanks to others who matched Smith's pledge. The Toronto Rock contributed $2,500, according to Smith.
The Bandits opened their series with the Rock on May 23, one day after a white supremacist killed 10 people at the Tops grocery market on Jefferson Ave. Smith, who is Black, delivered a pregame speech in which he addressed his own experiences with racism in a predominantly white sport.
Smith and nine teammates volunteered on the East Side last Wednesday alongside members of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.
"[The attack] really hit home for me, it being in Buffalo," Smith, who is from Kitchener, Ontario, said. "This is my second home now. I'm building a home in Buffalo.
"... And also, being a Black athlete, especially in a primarily white sport, it's tough. My teammates feel bad for me. Yes, it's tough on myself, but I feel bad for the next generation, for those kids that are growing up and not understanding why they're getting treated differently. When I do have kids, I don't want them to go through what I'm going through."
The Bandits set up a resource page for individuals who are interested in supporting the community at this difficult time. Visit Bandits.com/HelpBuffalo for more information.
Fans can also help by giving $25 and receive a Bandits branded "Choose Love" T-shirt.
A Bandits equipment auction, which includes Smith's game-used stick, gloves, and sneakers, is currently live with proceeds to benefit victims' families.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from May 22, 2022
- Dhane Smith Announces Donation Exceeding $15,000 to Support Victims' Families - Buffalo Bandits
- Bandits to Host Game 1 of NLL Finals on Saturday, June 4 - Buffalo Bandits
- Mammoth Drops Game 2 of West Conference Finals Saturday - Colorado Mammoth
- Buffalo Advances to NLL Finals, San Diego Sends West Conference Finals to Decisive Third Game with Thrilling OT Win - NLL
- Bandits Advance to NLL Finals with Win over Rock - Buffalo Bandits
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