“Hopefully do it with an organization that legitimately impacts and helps people”: How Brock Purdy turned My Cause My Cleats into a way to help children and disaster victims

Brock Purdy has used the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign to support two very different causes. In 2023, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback highlighted an organization that helps children in foster care. A year later, he chose Samaritan's Purse after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the United States. Purdy's choices also came with a clear goal: use his NFL profile to bring attention and money to people who need help.Brock Purdy backed children in foster care with his 2023 cleatsOn Nov. 30, 2023, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley announced that Purdy had selected the nonprofit for the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign. He wore custom cleats featuring its logo during the 49ers' December 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.The organization supports children who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment and entered the Santa Clara County dependency court system. It recruits and trains Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers, who help make sure children receive support as they navigate the system.Purdy's selection gave the organization a chance to reach NFL fans who might not have known about its work. Child Advocates also launched a fundraising drive called the "13 for 13 Challenge," asking supporters to donate $13, matching Purdy's jersey number. Northern California Toyota dealers offered to match donations up to $10,000.The effort gained traction as Purdy enjoyed a strong season with San Francisco. Per reports, Purdy had raised more than $4,400 at that point and led the campaign's Visa Challenge.Child Advocates CEO Frederick J. Ferrer praised the quarterback's decision in the nonprofit's November 30 announcement."For Brock Purdy to include children in foster care and raise awareness about the work that we do, is absolutely remarkable," Ferrer said.The campaign was about more than a pair of custom shoes. Purdy helped put a spotlight on children who often receive less public attention than high-profile causes. Hurricane Helene influenced Brock Purdy's 2024 charity choicePurdy picked Samaritan's Purse for the 2024 edition of My Cause My Cleats. The Christian humanitarian organization provides emergency assistance to communities affected by disasters and other crises.Hurricane Helene had struck the southeastern United States in late September 2024, causing widespread damage and flooding. Purdy wanted to support an organization already working on the ground.Speaking at a 49ers press conference on December 6, 2024, Purdy explained his decision."I was just thinking about if I'm going to have a chance to raise money, I'd like to hopefully do it with an organization that legitimately impacts and helps people in need," he said.He then explained why the hurricane influenced his choice. "Samaritan's Purse has done that and they are doing that," Purdy said, referring to its relief work.He added that he hoped the campaign could raise money to help people affected by the hurricane.Purdy's signed custom cleats appeared on the official NFL Auction website, with the listing identifying Samaritan's Purse as the beneficiary. The NFL Foundation allocates proceeds from My Cause My Cleats auctions to the charities selected by participating players.The available records do not establish the final amount raised from Purdy's 2024 cleats, so it would be inaccurate to attach a specific donation figure to the campaign.Still, the quarterback's choices tell a clear story. In 2023, he helped raise awareness for children in foster care close to the 49ers' home. In 2024, he turned to disaster relief after a devastating hurricane. Both campaigns gave him a way to support people outside football without claiming credit for money he did not personally donate.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.