More Than a Celebration: The Story Behind HeartShapedHands
“Well, he wasn’t tied with Landon Donovan very long was he?” ….That’s right! Sierra Leone's Kei Kamara recently surpassed US soccer icon Landon Donovan to become the second-highest goal scorer in Major League Soccer history.
Do you know what he was up to the day before? Visiting our HQ to work on product and logistics to help kids in Sierre Leone with his non-profit organization HeartShapedHands. While you’d expect athletes of his caliber to be focused on their goals, Kei has dedicated much of his time helping kids in Sierra Leone, actively making a positive impact. Kei's dedication to his sport is undeniable, but his commitment to giving back is what truly inspires us.
Born in Sierra Leone, Kamara's journey is more than just goals and trophies. It's a story of resilience, family, and a deep commitment to giving back. Known for his iconic heart-shaped hand celebration, Kamara translated that gesture into action by establishing the HeartShapedHands Foundation back in 2012.
The organization focuses on supporting the critical initiative of school scholarships in his home of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Schools in Sierra Leone are not free to the public but are only $100 a year to attend, a relatively small amount of money that can make a lasting impact on a child, let alone a country. The organization also provides scholarships to schools so they can afford teaching supplies, equipment, and necessary safety repairs to maintain a positive learning environment.
Shared Values, Shared Goals
The Promotions Dept. has been proudly supporting HeartShapedHands with its mission, donating essential school supplies – pens, pencils, backpacks, water bottles, notebooks, and whatever we can since we heard about the cause. Our own corporate values resonate with Kei's mission and our joint belief in the power of sports to uplift communities and create positive change.
His story serves as an inspiration to us all. It's a reminder that greatness extends beyond the bright lights and cameras of stardom. By using his platform to empower others, Kei Kamara’s a remarkable leader both on and off the field.
It’s Only the Beginning
As dedicated supporters of the sport and advocates for social good, we're excited to continue following Kei Kamara's journey, both in MLS and with his foundation. Stay tuned for future updates on his inspiring work and how we can all be a part of the positive impact he's creating. For more info on how your organization can support HeartShapedHands – click here.