NBA Cares: NBA Donates 1 Million Yuan to China Earthquake Victims

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced that it will be donating one million yuan to the victims of the Southwest China earthquake. The announcement was made on Thursday, April 25, and will be part of the NBA Cares program.

A collective effort from NBA teams and players, the contribution amounting to $162,080 will be sent through the China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF). The funds are aimed at helping the people of Lushan--in the Chinese province of Sichuan--to rebuild damaged properties and offer food and other relief services to the victims.

"The NBA, our teams and players are committed to providing support and resources to those in need in the wake of this terrible earthquake," shared David Shoemaker, NBA China CEO. "This financial contribution is just the first step in our commitment to helping rebuild Ya'an and to build on our long-standing partnership with CYDF."

On Saturday, April 20, an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude hit the region of Ya'an in southwestern China, killing more than 190 people and leaving close to 7,000 injured. Through the NBA's global social responsibility program, NBA Cares, the league will continue to work with the victims of the catastrophe. It will be partnering with CYDF to offer immediate assistance to those affected by establishing portable classrooms, as well as offering financial aids to damaged schools.

Aside from the monetary donations, NBA Cares will work hand-in-hand with the Yao Ming Foundation to build recreational areas for the affected children. The league is also planning to host a number of events in the inflicted region this coming summer.

NBA players have also extended their support to the people of Ya'an. Several messages of superstar players have already been aired on Chinese television during game telecasts and NBA programs.

"We are saddened by the recent earthquake in Ya'an and our hearts and prayers go out to those who have been affected," expressed Miami Heat guard, Dwyane Wade. "We are committed to providing immediate relief to support the children and families struggling to rebuild their lives and their communities."

NBA Cares promises to continue helping those afflicted by this saddening event as it always has for the past 9 years.