Australian Boomer Patty Mills will take a more structured approach to his humanitarian efforts with today’s unveiling of Team Mills – an initiative that looks to empower women and disadvantaged communities in Australia and beyond.
The announcement of The Team Mills Foundation coincides with the start of National Reconciliation Week – A week-long celebration of Australia’s shared cultures with the intent to educate and strengthen bonds between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community.
Mills said he was “incredibly excited” to announce the project, that looks to “make a tangible difference to people’s lives” at the intersection of their six core values – Family, Environment, Culture, Empowering women, Pathways and Opportunities, and Multiculturalism and Diversity.
“Our Foundation is personal but relatable, as it reflects values that have been instilled in me by my previous generations and through our customs and traditions. Our vision is to make a tangible difference at the intersection of those values and people’s lives, shining light on critical issues as well as providing opportunities and pathways of success to empower and unlock people’s tremendous potential.” said Mills.
Team Mills will also be partnering with The Firesticks Alliance to spread awareness of indigenous back burning practices and land-reading to restore the environment and prevent cataclysmic bush fires ruining homes and lives.
Mills has spearheaded other, similar humanitarian efforts, including The Community Water Project – which helped provide clean, sustainable water to six remote indigenous communities last year – and #GiveMamaCoffee Mother’s Day Drive – which helped coffee shops in San Antonio heavily affected by the pandemic and raised more than $100,000 USD for the Family Violence Prevention Service.
Mills said he was excited by the opportunity that basketball has given him to give back.
“I play basketball and I’m grateful for what the sport has provided for me and my family, but I am even more appreciative of the platform that has come with it. It has allowed me to follow through with my successes and on the court to inspire, support and make changes in other people’s lives, especially the ones who need it most”
It will be through Mills’ platform and the frame work of their six core values – Family, Environment, Culture, Pathways and Opportunities, Empowering Women and Multiculturalism and Diversity – that Team Mills will look to focus their efforts and deliver the greatest change:
1. FAMILY.
Having a greater understanding of who you are, where you come from and appreciating the people that have helped you. Being the best person you can be so that you can support and inspire your loved ones.
2. ENVIRONMENT.
Doing our part by giving back to our environment to ensure our next generation understands the values of care taking for our earth. This will also be a way to protect, preserve and keep traditional
cultures alive through the knowledge and practices used by Indigenous peoples.
3. CULTURE.
Keeping the culture alive. Recognising, protecting and preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and traditions. Through a creative approach, constantly finding ways to bridge the gap between traditional and modern society.
4. PATHWAYS AND OPPORTUNITIES.
Striving for greatness by creating pathways and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people to excel in their given fields or interests.
5. EMPOWERING WOMEN.
Giving women a platform and voice to feel empowered, confident, and strong by supporting them in that role.
6. MULTICULTURALISM AND DIVERSITY.
Understanding and recognising multicultural diversity with the means to appreciate and learn from the differences, to celebrate and build on the similarities.
To learn more about The Team Mills Foundation an to get involved, visit teammillsfoundation.org or follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube using #TeamMillsFdn and #AllHandsIn.
Jarrad Hurley's professional basketball aspirations led him to the dizzying heights of the Adelaide social league circuit. After an epiphany that his hoop dreams would go unrealised, he put the ball down and picked up a pen. Jarrad lives vicariously through the successes of Australian basketball, is a mad 36ers fanatic, and might just cry if the Boomers ever medal.
