National Basketball Referees Association Teams Up with The Salvation Army
Association members raise money and awareness to support long-term response efforts to help those impacted by COVID-19
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 15, 2020) – In response to the significant negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the country’s most vulnerable, the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) will partner with The Salvation Army, the country’s largest social services provider, to support ongoing relief efforts. Members of the NBRA, which includes members from the National Basketball Association, Women’s National Basketball Association and G League, selected The Salvation Army as their partner due to the organization’s ability to provide a wide range of essential, tailored services to meet the needs of local communities, as well as their national and international reach.
A $25,000 gift from the NBRA will be divided among The Salvation Army USA and The Salvation Army of Canada, representing the breadth of teams in the three member leagues. The funds will be used specifically for COVID-19 response and services, including feeding services, sheltering, rent and utility assistance and other services for those impacted by the novel coronavirus.
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army has worked hard to mitigate the devastating health and economic effects on those who were already on the verge of crisis. With a presence in nearly every ZIP code in the United States, The Salvation Army is uniquely situated to meet the needs of local communities during this difficult time. Since the start of the crisis, The Salvation Army has provided:
- 6.5 million prepared meals
- 1.8 million food boxes
- 606,000 emotional and spiritual care sessions
- 1 million nights of shelter
“During this challenging time, we have discussed as a group how we can best give back,” said Mark Denesuk, NBRA spokesperson. “Like so many, our jobs were put on hold, but we are fortunate that the financial impact was not as great for us as it is for the country’s most vulnerable. We know the The Salvation Army has the network and capability to use this gift to its fullest potential and impact the lives of those who are struggling in the United States and Canada.”
“Generous gifts such as these allow us to continue providing essential services to those who have been disproportionately affected by this crisis,” said Commissioner David Hudson, The Salvation Army’s national commander. “Due to the NBRA’s support and continued partnership, we will be able to lift up people in poverty, visit the elderly suffering in isolation, feed children who can no longer rely on school lunches and aid frontline workers who are risking everything for the rest of us.”
As social restrictions lift across the country, the NBRA and The Salvation Army are planning a volunteer day so that members can see the direct, positive impact that this donation will have.
To contribute to the NBRA’s donation, visit https://salarmy.us/nbra.
To learn more about how The Salvation Army continues to respond to the unique challenges brought on by COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn, visit: www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid19/
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood
About the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA)
The purpose of the National Basketball Referees Association is to proudly represent the men and women who make it possible for basketball to be played at its highest level – in the NBA, WNBA and G League. Referees, like players, are governed by a collective bargaining agreement and have representatives who help them negotiate with the league. Whether it’s wages, working benefits or other issues, the NBRA ensures the referees are valued for their essential contributions to the game.