Australian NBA Players commit $750,000 to bushfires in Australia

Official release

January 7, 2020 10:37 PM

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2020 — In support for their country and the brave individuals standing on the frontlines of the bushfires in the region, nine Australian NBA Players have partnered with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to contribute $750,000 USD towards relief and recovery efforts. Aron Baynes (Phoenix Suns), Jonah Bolden and Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers), Ryan Broekhoff (Dallas Mavericks), Matthew Dellavedova and Dante Exum (Cleveland Cavaliers), Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz), Thon Maker (Detroit Pistons) and Patty Mills (San Antonio Spurs) will provide support to organizations across the country to aid immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding projects.

There is still so much devastation but I am proud that we could all come together w/ help from @TheNBPA & @nba it is truly appreciated. There is much more to be done #AustralianBushFires pic.twitter.com/V3Xy13AxQv

— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) January 7, 2020

“We are heartbroken over the devastation these fires are causing all across our homeland,” expressed the players in a joint statement. “Our thoughts are with our families, friends and all of the people of Australia. We hope you feel our love and support and know that we will continue to bring awareness to this crisis globally and provide assistance in any way we can.”

Appreciate the @NBA + @NBPA coming together with the Aussie NBA boys to support the Australian Bushfire Relief efforts. It’s a really tough time in Australia right now but we are resilient people and stick together🇦🇺 #AustraliaFires https://t.co/i0NtpqsvUD

— Matthew Dellavedova (@matthewdelly) January 7, 2020

Sherrie Deans, executive director of the NBPA Foundation, said, “Our players have a deep connection to the places where they grew up and have always responded with generosity and compassion in the aftermath of disasters. The Foundation’s board is committed to extending our long-standing support of players’ financial contributions in response to disasters through this joint effort.”