Aussie NBA players contribute USD$750,000 to bushfire relief

Australians are stepping up to do their bit with regards to the recent bushfires raging on at home, and it's no different for our Aussies in the NBA.

According to a release via the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), nine Australian NBA players have partnered with the NBPA Foundation and the NBA to commit $750,000 USD (approximately $1.09 million AUD) towards relief and recovery efforts. This includes 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). This provides support to organizations across the country to aid immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding projects.

“We are heartbroken over the devastation these fires are causing all across our homeland,” the players shared 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.”

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.”

A variety of organisations are assisting with bushfire relief right now, and includes the Australian Red Cross, the NSW rural fire brigade, the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA), and more.