Sixers point guard Ben Simmons is stepping up in a big way for the city of Philadelphia — and plenty of athletes are starting to follow his lead.
Simmons announced on Friday that he is launching Philly Pledge, an organization set up to help local residents dealing with the impact of the coronavirus.
Simmons wrote the following in an Instagram post:
Philly! Being isolated during this unprecedented time doesn't mean we can't come together as a City. Finding nonprofit organizations who are helping on the front line is often hard but @ThePhillyPledge have made it easy. You can make a donation for as little as $25. We can all make a difference and show the world what the City of Brotherly Love is all about. Be safe. #ThePhillyPledge @thephillypledge ❤️
The organization will be making donations directly to two places. One is Philabundance, which provides meals to those in need. The second is PHL COVID-19, which assists "at risk community groups such as the elderly, disabled, homeless and economically disadvantaged through a range of essential social services."
Fellow Philly athletes Zach Ertz, Rhys Hoskins, Claude Giroux, Jalen Mills, Tobias Harris and Andrew Knapp, among others, have shown support for the Philly Pledge.
Our Community is strong! Philly, let's band together and help our less fortunate. Use @ThePhillyPledge to find local nonprofits to help the fight against COVID-19. It's our time to come together #ThePhillyPledge #TheClaudeGirouxFoundation pic.twitter.com/rMbhQ1d2si
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) March 28, 2020We are in this TOGETHER, Philly----Make the pledge today for OUR City to help the less fortunate. Use @ThePhillyPledge to find local nonprofits helping The Greater Phildelphia area to help fight against the COVID-19 virus. #ThePhillyPledge pic.twitter.com/fDQwvhZOBg
— Rhys Hoskins (@rhyshoskins) March 28, 2020Our Community is TOUGH! Philly, let's band together and help those in need! Use @ThePhillyPledge to find local nonprofits to help the fight against COVID-19. It's our time to come together #ThePhillyPledge @ErtzFoundation pic.twitter.com/fnGXP5ZRSY
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) March 28, 2020"Philly! You don't have to stand on the sidelines, use @ThePhillyPledge to find local nonprofit organizations who are doing amazing work in Philadelphia to help our less fortunate. We ARE the City of Brotherly Love. #ThePhillyPledge" pic.twitter.com/fZ2Qu7arIQ
— Jalen Mills (@greengoblin) March 28, 2020Proud to support my city and join my teammate @bensimmons in the fight against COVID-19. Use @ThePhillyPledge to find local nonprofits that help those in need. It's our time to come together #ThePhillyPledge pic.twitter.com/OhcpLp2nEi
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) March 28, 2020
