PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — At least two-dozen people have been killed, and the toll on wildlife has been devastating, as wildfires continue to burn in Australia. As relief pours in from around the world, some 76ers have stepped up to help.
A group of NBA players from Australia, including Ben Simmons and Jonah Bolden, have collectively donated some $750,000 to relief efforts. Simmons Tweeted, urging people of his homeland to be brave, kind and compassionate to each other through these extremely hard times.
I’m so sad by the loss our country is currently facing. The images of the raging fires, people, families, firefighters and wildlife are nothing short of terrifying. 12 million acres of land destroyed, human lives lost, animals being wiped out and misplaced with homes and 1/3
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25)
January 3, 2020 Sixers coach Brett Brown says it was heartwarming to see the players come together. He also coaches the Australia national team, is married to an Aussie woman and lived in Australia for nearly 20 years. Seeing images of the fires raging, he says, is devastating.
"The country is gifted with spirit," he said. "Mates. It's all about your mate. It's all about a comraderie and a tightness and a toughness. It doesn't surprise me what they did, and I applaud them for doing it."
