Big Sean, Pearl Jam donate money to Flint water crisis efforts

The Eastern Michigan city’s residents have been besieged by toxic chemicals from the Flint River, which became the city’s new source of drinking water in 2014. But it hasn’t stopped there.

Pearl Jam recently announced 2016 North American tour dates, and on Friday (Jan. 22), the band spread even more goodwill throughout the United States, specifically water-crisis-stricken Flint, Michigan. It’s not gone unnoticed, either.

Funds will go toward the United Way of Genesee County’s Flint Water Fund, which aids in both the short- and long-term needs of the Flint community.

Big Sean has also started a CrowdRise fundraising effort and donated $10,000 through his non-profit, the Sean Anderson Foundation. At press time, supporters had contributed $5,000 so far.

Incoming monetary donations are being used to purchase water filters, bottled water and additional services that are being needed in the area.

“I am devastated by the water crisis that has put the entire city of Flint in a state of emergency”.

During a trip to DC, the newly elected mayor of Flint, Karen Weaver, told a TMZ cameraman she wants to thank the celebrities who have donated to the cause, Rolling Stone reports. As a result, many Flint children’s blood has tested positive for lead, which is a highly potent neurotoxin linked to learning disabilities, lower IQ and behavioral problems.

Right now, the city of Flint, Michigan is going through a water crisis-high lead levels have been found in the city’s water supply. ” the move saved a nominal amount of money for the city, but consequences have been devastating for its residents”. According to Rolling Stone, local and state officials lied to residents for months about the safety of the water in their homes.