Naomi Osaka does it again!
Naomi Osaka Donates To Haiti Relief
Her donation is in response to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that assailed the poverty-stricken country on Saturday, August 14. According to Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency, the earthquake hit around 80 miles west of Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital city. Its presence killed nearly 1,400 people and injured 6,000.
Cultural Ties
Naomi Osaka, whose father is from Haiti, abruptly announced her pledge on Twitter. Her response comes after news of the earthquake circulated. She is emotionally and culturally connected to the cause.
“I’m participating in a tournament this week, and I’ll donate all the prize money to support relief efforts in Haiti. Our ancestors’ strength runs deep, and we will continue to thrive.”
Really hurts to see all the devastation that’s going on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can’t catch a break. I’m about to play a tournament this week and I’ll give all the prize money to relief efforts for Haiti. I know our ancestors blood is strong we’ll keep rising 🇭🇹❤️🙏🏾
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) August 14, 2021
The four-time grand slam champion received a great deal of support from other platforms.
This isn't any kind of small gesture here from @naomiosaka! She intends to make a REAL impact. pic.twitter.com/qwbvNAenmJ
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 16, 2021
The Western & Southern Open starts Monday in Cincinnati. The Sports Illustrator details that the women’s singles winner is set to win $255,220, while the runner-up will receive $188,945. Sources say that Osaka is expected to place second. This is her first tennis tournament since the Tokyo Olympics.
Improving Haiti’s Situation
Nonetheless, Haiti is still recovering from the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that ravaged the Caribbean country in 2010. The small island was already struggling with the recent assassination of their president Jovenel Mois and the coronavirus. On top of that Tropical Storm Grace, has caused landslides and flash floods deterring relief efforts.
Thus far, the UN has allotted $8 million USD from the Central Emergency Response Fund. In addition, the United States and USAID commits to supporting the government by quickly addressing Haiti’s urgent humanitarian needs.
Kudos to Naomi Osaka for offering much needed assistance to Haiti’s cause.
