As forest fires continue to spread throughout Australia, LaMelo Ball has joined a growing list of professional athletes who have pledged financial support for relief efforts.
Ball's agent Jermaine Jackson confirmed the gesture Thursday night to Corey Williams of ESPN Australia. Jackson revealed that Ball would give the NBL a month's salary to the victims of the fires that plagued the Australian state of New South Wales.
"It's sad to see what is happening on the south coast of Australia," the 18-year-old owner said in a statement. “People have lost their homes and everything they own. My parents taught me how to help whenever I can, so this is my way of helping. ”
Ball moved to NSW's Illawarra region in 2019 to play for Hawks as part of Australia's Next Stars program. According to The Athletic, athletes participating in the program earn about $ 68,500 for a year. Ball averaged 17 points, 7.5 rebounds and seven assists in a dozen games this season; however, he suffered a foot injury that has kept him off the court for about a month.
The Hawks have also teamed up with Illawarra Mercury to raise money for the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal during Saturday's match against Melbourne United.
"Please, if you are playing the game on Saturday, we ask that you find a way to support and help those affected by these terrible fires across the country," said Mercury editor Julian O'Brien. "It's two dollars, twenty dollars or more, a little bit will help, but you know the Salvation Army will make sure all your support goes straight to where it needs to go, helping people rebuild their property and their lives."
The death toll from the fires is now 20, according to a Bloomberg report Thursday. NSW authorities declared a state of emergency for a week on Wednesday, with mass evacuations across the region.
"If you can leave, you must leave," Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews told residents and tourists. “We cannot guarantee your safety.”
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