The NBL, Illawarra Hawks and LaMelo Ball announced via press release on Friday that Ball would donate one month’s salary to help victims of wildfires across Australia.
“It’s sad to see what is happening on the South Coast of Australia. 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.”
Wildfires have ravaged Australia through December and into the new year. According to NBC News, the fires have killed 17 people to-date, eight of those deaths coming in the past week. The fires have burned more than 10 million acres of land. The fires have also led to states of emergency being declared in areas of the country.
Prior to Ball’s announcement on Friday, the Hawks themselves had announced they would partner with the Illawarra Mercury to raise money for the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal. The league also plans to announce initiatives to help raise money through NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger.
“I want to acknowledge the contribution made by a number of NBL clubs already to support those affected by the terrible bushfires across Australia. As a leading sporting code, we have an obligation to support those communities affected and we will announce some further initiatives shortly.”
The Hawks will meet Melbourne on Saturday and Adelaide on Monday.
