The Utah Jazz are giving back this October to help Maui.
One of the biggest news stories to close August has been and will be the devastating fire that nearly razed Maui, Hawaii to ashes. Thousands were injured, many are feared dead and the destruction to the city will take years to fully repair. It is one of the most devastating and harrowing things to happen to the state in years. It’s a moment that is bigger than so many other things at the moment, but despite that, the Utah Jazz want to try and help.
Basketball is not an important thing at any point in time, but when the Jazz arrive in Hawaii, they’ll see if basketball can at least help make a difference. The Jazz will begin training camp at the BYU campus in Hawaii and will have a contest with the Los Angeles Clippers while on the island state. The Jazz and Clippers’ preseason contest will not just be a chance for the two teams to get ready for the regular season, but an opportunity for them both to help pitch in for the relief efforts.
According to the Utah Jazz (via Desert.com), when the Clippers and Jazz meet on Oct. 8 at the SimpliFi Arena in Honolulu, the two teams will also be giving back to the community. Proceeds from the game will go to the Maui Strong Fund in an effort to help with the wildfire relief efforts going on in and around Lahaina, Maui.
While all of Maui seemingly got hit, it was the city of Lahaina that was most affected by the fire, and this is where the focus of the proceeds will go.
The Clippers for their involvement will do a bit more than just donate, as the LA Clippers Foundation will team up with the Hawaii Tourism Authority to help renovate facilities at a local area school while they’re on the island.
It’s not enough to fix all the damage done, but it’s at least something to help the island get back on track.