Friday, Sixers’ star Ben Simmons launched an initiative called “Philly Pledge” to direct Coronavirus donations to two worthwhile groups.

One of those is Philabundance, the hunger relief organization that you’re probably familiar with. The non-profit distributes food to almost 100,000 people in the Delaware Valley each week. The second is PHL COVID-19, which is described as such on the Philly Pledge website:

PHL COVID-19, has been set up as a direct response to help the nonprofit sector continue to do what they do best – assist at risk community groups such as the elderly, disabled, homeless and economically disadvantaged through a range of essential social services.

Already, local athletes from a variety of sports have joined Simmons in donating to these causes.

Among them are Scott Kingery:

Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez:

Zach and Julie Ertz:

And a ton of others, such as Jalen Mills, Andrew Knapp, Bryce Harper, Claude Giroux, and Rhys Hoskins. That only includes athletes, too, and not individuals or business owners who have also kicked in.

It’s great to see Ben Simmons step up to the plate with this, though it shouldn’t be surprising. Ben donated in January for wildfire relief in his native Australia, an effort including other players that raised $750,000. He’s put his money where his mouth is before, and this is a fantastic gesture from a guy who, according to some people, hates Philly and can’t wait to join the Lakers.