Harold Varner III Shifts Focus from Golf to Hurricane Helene Relief in North Carolina

American golfer Harold Varner III has momentarily set aside his clubs to dedicate his efforts to Hurricane Helene relief initiatives in his home state of North Carolina. Helene, which has tragically become the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has left a path of devastation across the southeastern United States. The hurricane has claimed over 200 lives nationwide, with at least 106 fatalities reported in North Carolina alone.

Originally from Ohio but raised in North Carolina, Varner turned professional in 2012 and has celebrated three tour victories. Most recently, he joined the LIV Golf series, where he secured a notable win at the 2023 LIV Golf event in Washington, D.C. However, in light of the recent catastrophe, Varner has focused his energies on helping those most affected by the disaster.

In a heartfelt interview with CNN World Sport’s Patrick Snell, Varner expressed the importance of community support: “You want to be there for the people that have been there for you. Most of the time in my life, everyone’s been there for me, and now I have an opportunity to give back.” He emphasized the significance of the moment, saying it felt like a great opportunity to help.

Varner’s GoFundMe campaign has already raised over $10,000, which he and his HV3 Team are using to provide crucial relief to communities in western North Carolina. Their efforts include distributing essential supplies to those in dire need. Yet, Varner recognizes that they cannot accomplish this alone. He has called for additional support, specifically requesting items such as chainsaws, fuel, generators, and medical equipment to aid in the relief efforts.

Reflecting on the resilience he has witnessed in the affected communities, Varner said, “People are so resilient…even though they’ve lost everything.” He shared that this experience has changed his perspective on material possessions and relationships. “It makes you look at the stuff you accumulate and who’s in your life a little differently,” he noted.

Varner also acknowledged the scale of the devastation, stating, “Just knowing that people are missing, there are so many people helping. It’s not just me; I just happen to have a voice.” His commitment is not born out of obligation but rather a genuine desire to make a positive impact. “We’re at the stage where we’re just trying to find as many people as we can and do our best,” he explained.

The relief efforts in the region are immense, focusing on restoring power grids and rebuilding damaged infrastructure, including water and cell phone services. Many roads remain closed, hindering the delivery of aid to the hardest-hit areas. For individuals who evacuated before the hurricane struck, the closures have made it challenging to check on loved ones and assess the condition of their homes.

In some cases, supplies have been delivered by mule or air due to inaccessibility. Varner highlighted the urgent need for essential items such as insulin and warm clothing for those impacted.

As Varner wraps up the latest LIV Golf season, his response to the crisis showcases the power of teamwork beyond the realm of sports. Initially, he and his team spent two days on the ground without filming their efforts, as he preferred to keep the situation private. However, after witnessing the devastation firsthand, he realized the necessity of raising awareness, stating, “We need to video this; people need to know how bad this is. We need more help.”

His interview with CNN is part of a broader effort to generate awareness and encourage support for those affected. “You would hope that someone would come help you if you’re in a predicament like that,” Varner remarked.

Optimism is a cornerstone of Varner’s approach. He is not just relying on goodwill; he is formulating a practical plan to leverage his resources from golf to continue supporting relief efforts. “It’s important to be kind, generous, and comforting to those who are grieving,” he said, emphasizing the need for compassion.

Varner also looks ahead to the future, envisioning a successful 2025 season that could amplify his impact. “Oh, I wanna win,” he stated, recognizing the financial resources a victory could provide. “It costs a lot of money to help people, and if I win, I can help a lot more.”

For those looking to contribute to Hurricane Helene relief efforts, Varner encourages support for the affected communities.