via Getty
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O’Neal (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers is congratulated by his father Philip Harrison (L) after the Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 106-88 in Game Two of the NBA Western Conference first round play-offs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 26 April, 2001. O’Neal was the high scorer with 32 points as the Lakers take a 2-0 lead in the series. AFP PHOTO/ Vince BUCCI (Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images)
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O’Neal (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers is congratulated by his father Philip Harrison (L) after the Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 106-88 in Game Two of the NBA Western Conference first round play-offs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 26 April, 2001. O’Neal was the high scorer with 32 points as the Lakers take a 2-0 lead in the series. AFP PHOTO/ Vince BUCCI (Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images)
Sergeant Philip A. Harrison promised his millionaire son, Shaquille O’Neal that he would make him the best big man ever. The greatest big man in basketball and life as well. Philanthropy is one of the many lessons Shaq learned from his military sergeant father. And the Big Diesel once recounted a tale about how his father stopped his car to help a homeless guy, which was Shaq’s first lesson in helping others.
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During a recent Q and A session with Gary Vee, one person asked Shaq a question about giving back to people in need. Hence, Shaq narrated a story about once his father came home one day with some extra cash and offered the him to go get something to eat.
This was when the Big Aristotle was very young and hadn’t discovered his NBA fame yet. So the father-son duo went to White Castle and they both ordered six double cheeseburgers. However, they couldn’t finish them all and decided to take home the leftovers. On their way back home, they saw a homeless man with a sign saying “homeless guy, will work for food. “
Subsequently, Shaq’s father pulled over and found out that the homeless guy was a former military personnel going through some hard times. So he decided to give him Shaq’s food. Confused, Shaq asked his father, “Why’d you give him my food?” To this, Harrison replied, “If you could ever help those in need, make sure you take care of them.”
That day Shaq learned a valuable lesson. And he still abides by it to this day.
Shaquille O’Neal has his own definition of philanthropy
The story was among the first lessons Shaq got about helping others and since that day Shaq decided to help others. And today, the net worth of Shaquille O’Neal is estimated to be more than $400 million. And according to Shaq, he is not the type of guy who donates $1000 or $2000. For him philanthropy is about $50,000 and up, which can go up to a million dollars.
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Today the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation works on the development of underprivileged youth. It provides them with all the facilities to help them grow in their studies and sports and give them a bright future ahead. The Los Angeles Lakers legend is also very active in organizing charity events like concerts and standups. Shaq has also collaborated with the Make-a-wish foundation and has made several appearances.
Not only Shaq, but his mother Lucille O’Neal also participates in many charity events. Furthermore, as a founder of Mothers of professional basketball players, she is very active in philanthropy.
WATCH THIS STORY: Here’s how Ben Simmons, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and other NBA stars spent their first paychecks
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What are your thoughts about Shaq as a philanthropist? Do tell us in the comment section below.
