Los Angeles (AFP)
The nine Australian players playing in the NBA have donated 750,000 dollars (670,000 euros) to help rescue victims of the devastating fires that hit their country and support future reconstruction projects, the agency announced on Tuesday.
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), in association with the NBA and the players' union foundation, wanted to "support their country and the brave people who are on the front lines of the bush fires," the statement said.
"We are heartbroken by the devastation caused by these fires all over our country. Our thoughts are with our families, our friends and all the people of Australia," they say.
The donation will "provide support to organizations across the country to help immediate relief efforts and long-term reconstruction projects," it said.
Australian basketball players are following in the footsteps of a certain number of personalities, such as actress Nicole Kidman, singer Pink or tenniswoman Ashleigh Barty, having launched fundraisers or made donations for the firefighters and fire victims who 25 dead since September.
Over 1,800 houses have been reduced to ashes, as well as around 80,000 km2, an area equivalent to the island of Ireland.
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