Earlier this month, nine NBA players from Australia, including Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles, joined together in donating $750,000 to help the bushfire relief efforts in their home country.
At the time, Ingles indicated that he and the Jazz organization were working together on additional relief efforts, and on Friday, the Jazz announced a multifaceted plan to that end.
First, Ingles and his wife Renae will contribute $500 to firefighters and supporting organizations for every 3-pointer Ingles has made so far this season and will make through Feb. 12. Second, a T-shirt has been designed that will be sold at the Utah Jazz Team Store during the squad’s Jan. 27 game against the Houston Rockets and online, with proceeds to benefit Australian firefighters.
The shirt is white with a map of Australia in the Utah Jazz’s colors, with “Support Australia” written in green letters.
Additionally, the Jazz and the Ingles family are soliciting matching 3-point donations to benefit the American Red Cross’ efforts to help those affected by the bushfires. Fans can contribute through www.utahjazz.com, the Utah Jazz + Vivint Arena app or the Red Cross website.
“I’m proud to be Australian, and to see what’s happening to my home country, friends and family has been overwhelming,” Joe Ingles said in a statement. “Jazz fans are known around the NBA for their generosity and love of community, and I hope they can join me in matching my 3-point donation by giving to the Red Cross. Everything helps — even if it’s $1 per 3-pointer — and it means so much to those who are risking their lives to save others.”
Through 41 games this season entering Saturday’s home contest against the Sacramento Kings, Ingles has made 91 3-pointers.