Australia's NBA players have joined athletes from around the world to donate millions of dollars towards fundraising efforts as tragic bushfires continue to ravage the nation.
Nine Australian NBA players partnered with the National Basketball Players Association Foundation and the NBA to contribute $US750,000 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 organisations 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," 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."
A state of emergency has been declared in New South Wales and a state of disaster is in place in Victoria as wild fires wreck havoc and endanger lives.
The NBA players' pledge comes after athletes from Australia and around the world joined forces in pledging money and raising global awareness for one of the country's greatest ever disasters.
In light of the recent Australian bushfires, all nine Australian NBA Players with the support of the NBPA Foundation and the @NBA have pledged $750,000 USD to aid in immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding projects in the country. pic.twitter.com/wm0bunLLbA
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) January 7, 2020
I'm kicking off the support for those affected by the fires. I'll be donating $200 per ace that I hit across all the events I play this summer. #MoreToCome #StayTuned
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 2, 2020
The unity of our nation being demonstrated by everyone. Jumping on board with the @thepfa through the footballers trust in donating $1000 for every goal scored across this weekends @ALeague and @WLeague fixtures. Hoping relief is just around the corner ❤️🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/tT6iSRZRMq
— Maty Ryan (@MatyRyan) January 4, 2020
I've put my 2018 @MotoGP Helmet up for auction to raise money for the NSW Rural Fire Service during the bushfire crisis that's happening at home 🇦🇺https://t.co/eofrHKUdl6
— Jack Miller (@jackmilleraus) January 7, 2020
If you'd like to donate direct👉🏼 https://t.co/QYNJDkfs2c pic.twitter.com/NhtkeJjMh9
Mitch Creek auctioned his custom Looney Tunes shoes off for $4000 post-match to help during the bushfire crisis!! 🙌
— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) January 5, 2020
He also inspired these two fans to match his $1000 raised by the 10 three pointers hit by the Phoenix during the match. 💚🖤#RiseUpPhoenix #Heartland #NBL20 pic.twitter.com/UqltGYVThY
1/2 - Australia needs your help!! 🆘
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) January 5, 2020
The devastating fires have already claimed many lives, millions of animals have been killed and over 1400 homes have been lost and unfortunately these numbers will continue to rise with no end in sight. pic.twitter.com/irWfJ0MLYM
I'm auctioning off these boots to raise money for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief to help those effected by the bushfires!!! 🔥
— Tayla Harris (@taylaharriss) January 2, 2020
I wore these boots in the 2014 women's exhibition game - Melbourne v Western Bulldogs. please bid generously 🙌🏼https://t.co/76UuICVSUQ pic.twitter.com/NyhvJ68WV2
For every ACE I serve over the Aussie summer I'll donate $200 to the bushfire relief to help raise funds to the families, firefighters and animals who are affected by this disaster. Please join me in any way you can #ausfires #ClimateEmegency #AustralianFires
— Samantha Stosur (@bambamsam30) January 2, 2020
Hey Guys, for every six I hit in this years Big Bash League I will donate $250 towards the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9MVwNg81GE
— Chris Lynn (@lynny50) January 2, 2020
There's a lot of people doing it tough in rural areas of our country right now. Our thoughts are with them and to show our support, the @renegadesbbl are auctioning off our match worn shirts from last night.
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) January 3, 2020
All... https://t.co/ifxcB9oLXQ
I'm auctioning off my starting Jersey & Pants from #Dakar2020 for a donation to the NSW Rural Fire Service 🇦🇺 We're currently at $5,100.
— Toby Price (@tobyprice87) January 4, 2020
BID ON MY KIT 👉🏼 https://t.co/qfqmxGgJBO
OR
DONATE 👉🏼 https://t.co/5fvnwLniXL pic.twitter.com/uULGRWpiBL
WICKETS for WILDLIFE. For every wicket taken this @BBL season, Adam Zampa @StarsBBL, Kane Richardson @RenegadesBBL and I @StrikersBBL will be donating $200 to WIRES + Wildlife Victoria. Please get behind us + donate now! https://t.co/hQaFkPPbVF
— Peter Siddle (@petersiddle403) January 3, 2020
Play your part big or small and help support Australia. It's so heartbreaking to see what's happening back home and I'll be supporting charities across Australia. @redcrossau @salvos wireswildliferescue @foodbankaus... https://t.co/SYlqPZhNtX
— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) January 4, 2020
WE DID IT! My bro @triplezerotv & I raised $15,000+ during our 24HR charity stream.
— Mitch Robinson (@MitchRobinson05) January 5, 2020
I didn't think a gaming platform would exceed our $5k goal to help the RFS & those affected by the fires!
Wholeheartedly, thank you everyone who donated, hosted or shared our cause. #RobSquad pic.twitter.com/ZQlMluFXU6