Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Haslem on latest assist: ‘We all could use some kind of help’
Udonis Haslem knows plenty about standing in harm’s way.
Seventeen seasons of taking charges for the Miami Heat will do that.
But he also appreciates the payoff of such action, which is why he spent a day handing out a week’s worth of groceries at Biscayne Park in Edgewater to 100 families who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Working in the community is definitely the next wave for me,” the 39-year-old power forward said, with retirement possibly looming. “Like I told people, now that I’m not snapping down double-doubles anymore like I used to, bringing pride and joy to this city, beyond the game of basketball, has to be a focus.”
That focus Wednesday included working with Miami Commissioner Ken Russell in the event supported by Stock-Up Mart, a grocery-delivery service powered by Miami-based REEF Technology.
“Obviously, everybody could use some kind of help,” Haslem said. “Even myself, we all could use some kind of help through this time.
“We started out helping hospitals and places like that that held special places in my heart. It was just me doing something sentimental from the heart, then it just grew to different places and different things.
“The thing that we did [Wednesday] with Commissioner Russell, that was something we had been working on for a little over a month.”
While the Heat have stressed sheltering at home to their players, Haslem said it has been a delicate balance, with masks and gloves provided to those at Wednesday’s event.
“That’s why we’re focusing on the socialdistancing part of it,” Haslem said. “And we’ve been extremely, extremely serious. But for me, it’s who I am. I can’t focus on things like that.
“I’ve been extremely, extremely blessed throughout my career and throughout my life, and there’s people out there that you admire, and I was always taught that you give with no regard. My focus right now is to give to these people and help these people.”
Haslem’s latest initiative is titled “Power Forward Through Hunger.”
“This initiative means the world to me because it’s taking care of home,” Haslem said. “I know a lot of places around the world are dealing with similar issues, but I believe if you have the chance to start in your own backyard, you should.
“Power Forward Through Hunger means we want to help to make sure the community pushes through these challenging times. Starting with a hot meal or groceries for the week at least for a while, [the goal is] to help them power through this tough situation.”