(WXYZ) — Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin donated 50,000 gloves split between two metro Detroit hospitals this week to help workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis.
Larkin and his father Kevin, who is part of the beauty industry, had a supplier for gloves that had some in his garage.
"He was watching the news and I actually was, too. They made a mention that hospitals had a need for gloves and masks obviously so he felt he had a good chunk of them and I bought them off of him to donate to the hospitals. Kind of supporting him, and then we went through his distributor to get some more gloves to donate," Larkin told DetroitRedWings.com.
"I hope it's something that can help, even for a day, to keep people safe."
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) April 3, 2020
Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin and his dad donated 50,000 gloves to local hospitals. pic.twitter.com/IDfcanARr7
In all, they collected 50,000 vinyl powder-fee and nitrile gloves; 25,000 of which went to Detroit Medical Center and the other 25,000 to St. Joseph Mercy Health System.
"I want to express my gratitude on behalf the Detroit Medical Center to Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings' organization for this donation of critical medical supplies. We are fortunate to have a long lasting partnership with the Red Wings," said Audrey Gregory, PhD, RN, Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Medical Center. "These are very challenging times for all of us. This donation is another example of the commitment the Red Wings' organization and its players have to our community."
"It's a thing where they probably go through that in a day but if it helps, get in their hands and keep doctors and nurses and cleaning crews safe, then I'm happy to help for that day," Larkin said. "Whatever it may be, I'm able to donate and they're the ones donating their time and their lives, in some cases, where they're putting their lives on the line, then that's the main thing that I'm supporting."
The gloves were delivered Friday to the Detroit Medical Center and St. Mary Mercy Livonia.
"We are so thankful to Dylan for this much- appreciated gift of gloves for St. Mary Mercy Livonia," said Rob Casalou, president and CEO, Trinity Health Michigan. "These gloves will be going straight to our clinicians in the emergency room where they will be put to immediate use as we continue to treat the large number of patients seeking care at our hospital."
"Depending how it goes, I might see if more guys can chip in and we can do some more," Larkin said. "I think they're kind of obviously focused on the hospitals but they just got a shipment in. We'll see."
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