Aussie sports stars pledge money to help victims of fires in NSW, Victoria
Top American NBA prospect LaMelo Ball says he will donate some of the salary he receives from the National Basketball League’s Illawarra Hawks to victims of the fires devastating eastern Australia.
Ball, tipped to be chosen in the first round of the NBA draft this year, said he will donate one month of his salary, an amount that was not disclosed.
“It’s sad to see what is happening,” Ball said yesterday.
“People have lost their homes and everything they own. My parents taught me to help out wherever I can, so this is my way of helping out.”
In New South Wales and Victoria 18 people have died, 28 are missing and more than 1500 homes or buildings have been destroyed. Conditions are expected to worsen today.
Ball joins several athletes in Australia who have said they will pledge money to the fire charities.
Nick Kyrgios, who is playing for Australia at the ATP Cup team tennis event, said he would donate A$250 ($140) for each ace he hits during the tournament and at the Australian Open later this month.
Fellow Australian teammates Alex de Minaur and John Millman also said they would contribute, as did former US Open women’s singles champion Sam Stosur. The ATP Cup will donate A$100 per ace.
Cricketers Chris Lynn and Glenn
Maxwell, who play in the domestic Twenty20 league, both pledged A$250 for each boundary-clearing six they hit in the competition.
“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,” Lynn tweeted.
Australia’s test cricketers will also auction off signed shirts from the Melbourne Cricket Ground test against New Zealand.