As deadly wildfires continue to rage across Australia, LaMelo Ball has joined a growing list of professional athletes who have pledged financial support to the bushfire relief efforts.
Ball's agent Jermaine Jackson confirmed the gesture Thursday night to ESPN Australia's Corey Williams. Jackson revealed Ball would give one month of his NBL salary to victims of the fires that have swept 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 point guard said in a statement. "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."
Ball moved to the Illawarra region of NSW in 2019 to play for the Hawks as part of Australia's Next Stars program. According to The Athletic, athletes who go through the program make about $68,500 USD for a year. Ball has averaged 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, and seven assists across across a dozen games the current season; however, he sustained a foot injury that has kept him off the court for about a month.
The Hawks have also teamed up with the Illawarra Mercury to raise money for the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal during Saturday's game against the Melbourne United.
"Please, if you are attending the game on Saturday, we ask you to find a way to support the Salvos in helping those affected by these horrific fires around our country," Mercury editor Julian O'Brien said. "Whether it's two dollars, 20 dollars or more, every little bit will help, but you know the Salvation Army will ensure all of your kind support goes directly to where it needs to go in helping people rebuild their property and their lives."
The death toll from the fires is now at 20, according to a Thursday report by Bloomberg. NSW authorities declared a week-long state of emergency on Wednesday, as mass evacuations took place across the region.Â
"If you can leave, you must leave," Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews told residents and tourists. "We cannot guarantee your safety."
