Toronto Raptors’ forward Scottie Barnes is the reason why a Toronto school will be able to keep its doors open.
The Polkadots Playland and Montessori Academy in Brampton has been struggling to pay off a $90,000 debt to its landlord. The academy had to shut down for a period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that’s when their struggles began. The school offers programs for kids from kindergarten to Grade six as well as helps those on the Autism spectrum.
The accumulated debt had to be paid off before March 31. The school put out an online GoFundMe to help raise money and that’s when Barnes found out about the story and helped out in a big way.
“I got that phone call from someone on his team, and she just expressed that he came across the story, and he was moved by it and wants to help… beyond words, like a literal miracle,” Polkadots principal Josette Drummond said in an interview with NOW Toronto.
The exact amount that Barnes donated was not revealed. However, the GoFundMe was able to raise over $83,000 and Drummond referred to Barnes’ donation as being “offline”.
Raptors fans have even more reason to absolutely admire Barnes. Not only is he dedicated to helping the team get back to their winning ways, but he’s always heavily invested in the community.
Barnes signed a contract extension with the Raptors last summer which will pay him $225 million over the next five years. That number could balloon to $270 million if he meets the supermax criteria of making All-NBA this season. The new contract will kick in starting next season.
This season Barnes is averaging 19.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1,5 steals per game.
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