Sussex Saxons have started a fundraiser for the #blacklivesmatter movement

Following the tragic murder of George Floyd last week (25 May, 2020), social media has been blowing up with thousands upon thousands of us sharing petitions, forms of media to educate about white privilege and police brutality against POC, and posting and sharing content to stand in solidarity.

The Sussex Saxons have decided to do their bit by launching a fundraiser to raise money for the #blacklivesmatter movement. A spokesperson from the American football team told The Sussex Tab: “After seeing a lot of social media reaction due to George Floyd’s murder, we decided to do something about it.”

“We took inspiration from other teams at Sussex by doing a running/cycling challenge.”

The sports team will cover 1,000km between them in the space of two weeks. They then plan on attending the #blm Brighton protest taking place on Saturday, 13th June. 

The team launched their fundraiser only 24 hours ago (Tuesday, 2 June) and have already covered 90km in distance, raising £793 which is over half their target of £1,000.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

Sussex Saxons vice-president, Antonis Paplomatas, shared the link to the fundraiser with instructions on how to contribute, adding: “This is a result of everything that is going on in the world and as a team of diversity, I think it is appropriate that we come together to show that we care; and we are here to fight for what’s right! We need to be an example, try our best and show a united front.”

With an initial goal of £1,000 and 1,000km, Paplomatas ensured that “this WILL be achieved,” as the team plan to set further goals as the fundraiser goes on and becomes more successful.

So if you’re looking for ways to show your allyship and support #blacklivesmatter, donate to fundraisers such as these and share them with family and friends.

Cover image courtesy of Thomas Senyah