Arsenal Midfielder, Bukayo Saka has displayed remarkable generosity by donating 50 containers to offer shelter to 255 individuals affected by the devastating earthquake in Morocco.
In September, Morocco experienced its most severe earthquake in over a century, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 3,000 lives. The provinces of Al Haouz and Taroudant bore the brunt of the disaster, with the earthquake registering a formidable 7.2 on the Richter scale.
Teaming up with the charitable organization BigShoe, Saka directed his efforts towards providing essential shelter to 84 families in a small village within the Taroudant region. This village alone witnessed the loss of 42 lives in the calamity.
Saka’s generous donation consists of 50 containers, each equipped with sleeping quarters, power sockets, kitchenettes, and fully-furnished bathrooms featuring washbasins, toilets, and showers. In a thoughtful addition, protective grilles have been installed on the windows, serving as fall protection in the event of further seismic activity.
Expressing his heartfelt sentiments, the Arsenal and England winger conveyed his hope that the containers would not only provide shelter but also assist the 84 families and 89 children in rebuilding a semblance of their daily lives.
Saka shared, “I was shocked when I heard about the terrible earthquake in Morocco. But in the second moment, I knew that I really want to help, and we started to look at what we can do to help the displaced families.”
“In situations where people are fighting for survival, losing their homes or their loved ones, you become even more aware of the privileged situation you live in,” he added.
Saka further revealed that he was deeply moved by the individual stories, including a boy with Down’s syndrome, an older man with a disability, and widows grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
This altruistic act is not the first time the 22-year-old has collaborated with BigShoe for philanthropic endeavors. In the past, Saka joined forces with the charity to fund 120 life-changing operations for children in Nigeria and provided financial support for emergency shelters in Turkish cities affected by earthquakes at the beginning of 2023.
Established in 2006, BigShoe has garnered support from prominent figures such as Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil. The charity’s impactful work has reached over 1,800 children worldwide.
