The catastrophic effects of the ongoing bushfires are being felt nation-wide as Australia continues to burn and Orange's Jason Belmonte has joined the plethora of sporting stars pledging their assistance and much-needed funds to the Australian Red Cross appeal.
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Belmonte announced via social media on Friday morning he will donate $50 for every strike he rolls in televised games and $100 for every strike he bowls in title matches across the 2020 Professional Bowler's Association season.
"So many people and animals (are) affected by this disaster and they need all the help they can get. I intend to strike a lot," Belmonte said in his announcement on Friday.
Belmonte's commitment comes after Nick Kyrgios called on Tennis Australia and suggested a charity exhibition match to raise funds ahead of this month's Australian Open, which gained rapid support.
He then announced he would be pledging $200 for every ace he serves up this summer before Alex de Minaur and John Millman both following suit and committing to $250 and $100 per ace, respectively.
For context, de Minaur belted 597 aces across 2019 and while he won't possibly hit that mark this summer alone he, Kyrgios and Millman will all no doubt garner healthy sums to assist those impacted by the still-raging fires.
The Association of Tennis Professionals Cup, which will be played between Sydney, Perth and Brisbane from Friday, also announced it will also donate $100 for each ace landed, with the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on hand.
The rush for support hasn't been restricted to tennis either, with Brisbane Heat superstar Chris Lynn and Melbourne Stars skipper Glenn Maxwell both coming to the party. The big-hitters announced they will both be donating $250 for every six they hit in this summer's KFC Big Bash League.
- READ MORE: Sports stars pledge money for fire victims
"It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country," Lynn tweeted.
It's not just Australian stars joining the fight either, with superstar Illawarra Hawks recruit Lamelo Ball donating one month of his NBL salary to the cause as well.
Ball is undeniably the highest-profile star to pledge his assistance thus far, the brother of New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo is among the No.1 prospects for the NBA Draft in June.
"It's sad to see what is happening on the south coast of Australia," Ball 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."
While Belmonte, arguably the greatest bowler of all-time certainly isn't alone in the effort to lend whatever assistance he possibly can his donation potential is huge, with more a dozen tournaments released on the PBA's 2020 schedule, although not all of them have televised portions.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Red Cross' appeal can find more information on doing so here.
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