The NBA is stepping up and giving back once again. This time they’re teaming up with Direct Relief International, one of the world’s leading medical relief organization, to help Japan recover from the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011. They announced that 20 plus players from the National Basketball Association (NBA) have committed themselves to support the organization and the plans that they have to help Japan.
At least seven players have vowed to donate $1,000 for every point they score in their respective games taking place between March 25th and March 27th. Some of the names from this list include LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc & Pau Gasol, Al Horford, JaVale McGee, Russell Westbrook and MVP-candidate Derrick Rose. Other players that have also agreed to donate some of their money are DJ Augustin, Jarron & Jason Collins, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Tyreke Evans, Danilo Gallinari, Xavier Henry, Antawn Jamison, Jason Kapono, Quincy Pondexter, Brian Scalabrine, Etan Thomas and Ben Wallace.
All donations raised will go directly to Direct Relief’s Japan Relief & Recovery Fund which was formed with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). The Fund supports people needing immediate health attention because they work with the local authorities and are best situated to assess, respond and prepare for the long-term recovery stage.
“When disaster strikes we are all on the same team,” Rose said in a statement. “Right now we’re all pulling for the people of Japan… We need to step up and help however we can.”
Direct Relief responds to emergencies and disasters from all around the world. They have already provided emergency funds for their provision of emergency materials for thousands of people who have been left without a place to live and have lost everything and are now left abandoned amongst 20 facilities throughout Miyagi prefecture.
To find out more about the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund, visit http://www.directrelief.org/Index.aspx
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