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VIkings Social Justice Committee Makes Huge $500,000 Donation

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Aug 3, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and team owner Ziggy Wilf talk at training camp at TCO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings’ Social Justice Committee knows how to endear itself to the Twin Cities communities.

We at PurpleTerritory also know what it’s like to connect with the Twin Cities communities. But the Vikings and their Social Justice Committee have taken it… let’s say… multiple steps further.

In 2025, the Vikings donated a total of a half million, yes, you heard correctly, $500,000, to a total of 18 charities across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other central Minnesota communities to make sure that people of any color in the Twin Cities region have equal access to all sorts of mental health, physical work, and required living resources.

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Zygi Wilf watches warmups before a Vikings game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf surveys pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Sep 14, 2025 brought a home matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as he observed preparations from the sideline in Minneapolis. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

So, which charities are receiving a donation? And how will this benefit said charities? Let’s highlight a few examples.

Minnesota Vikings Social Justice Committee Makes Huge $500,000 Donation to Charities

One notable topic that has come to light in recent years is the concept of mental health.

As Founder and Executive Director of the Invisible Wounds Project Russ Hanes told Vikings.com, “Mental Health has a stigma in and of itself. And then when you tie in the other factor —– that our people work in careers where sometimes and in some departments, agencies and units it’s not accepted well —– and they really need a safe space to go. It’s not a one-and-done: ‘Here’s a couple bucks; here’s a gift card. Thanks for your service. See you later.’ It really becomes a family, and the family continues to grow and support each other.

We really focus on providing that safe, healthy, positive atmosphere where people can be themselves, learn from each other, help each other and just foster that growth in a way you can’t without a physical space or presence.”

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Now, not only does the Invisible Wounds Project align with the Social Justice Committee’s ideals, but it also provides additional resources, such as suicide prevention classes.

A Vikings Player Speaks Up on the Social Justice Committee and Highlights His Charity

This charity was highlighted by outside linebacker Bo Richter. As Richter noted, “It’s absolutely amazing to have these people here fulfilling the need. They explained to us how they provide this sense of community along with the necessary resources… and that community piece [is really unique].”

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Thanks to their efforts, Invisible Wounds received a $30,000 donation.

Social Justice Committee and Praise of the Owners

Headed by the owners and brothers Zygi, Mark, and Leonard Wilf, the Vikings have made over $9.5 million in donations to social justice initiatives since the 2018 season. In 2025, the causes the donations supported included mental health, inclusion, food insecurity, and equal access to education, to name a few.

Other Charities & Player Ties

Speaking about food insecurity, running back Zavier Scott enjoyed teaming up with the squad’s Social Justice Committee for his partnership at a local food charity.

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“I love the fact we can help out,” he said. “It’s not easy what a lot of people are going through, and we want to lighten the load any way we can.”

After working with food bank Loaves & Fishes to help provide meals, Scott also quipped, “It’s special any time you can sit down and just talk to someone. I think there’s something special about those slower moments. Every person matters. Every individual matters, no matter what their background is, no matter where they’re at in life. Everybody is valued, and I feel that’s a way of showing and honoring that. I like to connect, hear their story and give them some love.”

Vikings helmet at the Detroit Lions on November 2nd, 2025.
Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A general view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

As a result, Fishes & Loaves received a $25,000 special contribution to their charity.

Other charities receiving donations through the Vikings Social Justice Committee in 2025 were Project Success, the Jeremiah Program, the Khyree Jackson Foundation, Black Men Teach, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, Elevate Youth Elite Sports, Raise the Barr, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity —– Advancing Black Ownership Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, Gigi’s Playhouse, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota & the Dakotas, the Great North Innocence Project, Page Innocence Foundation, Shout Out Loud MN, Acres for Life, and Sharing and Caring Hands.

So, the Vikings Social Justice Committee is among the best in the NFL when it comes to charity work. And the owners are receiving high praise for their connections to the Twin Cities communities. It’s something to be very proud of as a Vikings fan.

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Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka faces brutal criticism from fans after partnering with Russian rapper openly supporting war against Ukraine

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Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has come under fire for mingling with a Russian rapper who backs his country’s invasion of Ukraine. The conflict between the two countries has been going on since 2022, and its ramifications have been felt on the tennis courts as well.

Ukrainian tennis players have boycotted athletes from Russia as well as Belarus, refusing to engage in the traditional pleasantries due to their countries’ hand in the destruction of Ukraine. The International Tennis Federation has also banned Russia and Belarus from participating in the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.

Sabalenka was naturally asked about her country’s support of Russia’s aggression. She took a pacifist stand and hoped for the war to end soon. However, her recent association with people who support Russia’s brutality may indicate otherwise.

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Sabalenka was interviewed for the Bench podcast, part of the First & Red media house. The interview was filmed last month and has started doing the rounds now. The hosts were Russian rapper L’ONE, the alias of Levan Gorozia, and his brother Merabi. L’ONE allegedly admitted to supporting his country’s actions in Ukraine by providing them financial support, and hoping for their victory.

Sabalenka‘s association with those who support the war didn’t sit right with fans. They took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment and frustration at her decision:

“May she never win another Slam again,” wrote one fan.

“lol she was never neutral… Posing with Lukashenko, celebrating with him,” posted another fan.

“Ban aryna Sabalenka from playing tennis,” expressed a fan.

“she’s such a loser jesus,” wrote a fan.

“Are we surprised?” chimed in another fan.

“fork found in the kitchen,” wrote one fan.

Sabalenka was also called out by Oleksandra Oliynykova during last month’s Australian Open. The latter cited her support of her country’s President as proof of her support for Russia’s hostility.


Aryna Sabalenka was one of the players publicly singled out by Oleksandra Oliynykova

Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open 2026. (Photo: Getty)Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open 2026. (Photo: Getty)
Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open 2026. (Photo: Getty)

Ukrainian tennis players have constantly used their platform to raise awareness about the brutal conditions they’re forced to live in since the war. Oleksandra Oliynykova, who made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open 2026, didn’t hesitate to directly address her peers who allegedly support Russia.

Aryna Sabalenka allegedly supported Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian President, during the civil unrest in her country before the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The government used its full might to crush peaceful protests, so it wasn’t a good look for her to side with those in power. Oliynynkova had a problem with this, and addressed it with an interview with L’Equipe during the Australian Open.

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“I’m talking, for example, about the world number one (Aryna Sabalenka). Did you know that she signed the list supporting Lukashenko in 2020? During the protests in Belarus, when the streets were covered in blood because those who were demonstrating, defending democracy, and demanding fair elections were being repressed and beaten. Well, she signed it and declared that Lukashenko was her president,” Oliynykova said.

Sabalenka has time and time again repeated that she supports peace. She hasn’t competed anywhere since her loss to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final, so any answers regarding her latest misstep will have to wait until her return at next month’s Indian Wells Open.