IPL 2021: Brett Lee donates 1 Bitcoin to help India in fight against COVID-19
Tuesday, 27 April 2021 (23:15 IST)
New Delhi: In a touching gesture, former Australian cricketer Brett Lee on Tuesday donated 1 Bitcoin to Crypto Relief for the purchase of oxygen supplies for India’s COVID-19 ravaged hospitals.
The former pacer also called India his second home and explained his decision to make the contribution.
“India has always been like a second home for me. The love and affection that I have got from the people of this country both during my professional career and even after my retirement, holds a special place in my heart,” Lee said in an statement on Twitter.
“It saddens me deeply to see people suffering due to the ongoing pandemic. I feel privileged to be in a position of making a difference and with that in mind, I’d like to donate 1 BTC (Bitcoin) to Crypto Relief to help with the purchase of oxygen supplies for the hospitals across India,” he added.
Lee, who is currently in India and working as a broadcaster for Star Sports in the Indian Premier League 2021 also thanked frontline workers and urged fans to follow safety protocols.
“Now is the time to be united and ensure we do as much as we can to help the ones in need. I’d also want to thank all the frontline workers who have been working round the clock during these tough times,” he said.
“I request people to please take care, stay at home, wash your hands and head out only if absolutely necessary, wear a mask and maintain social distancing,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Australian pacer Cummins also announced a USD 50,000 donation towards PM CARES Fund for oxygen supplies in Indian hospitals.
Lee also praised Pat Cummins to take the initiative first.
“Well done Pat Cummins for the initiative yesterday,” he said.
India on Tuesday registered 3,23,144 fresh cases of COVID-19, taking the country’s COVID-19 tally to 1,76,36,307, according to the data updated by the Union Health Ministry. (UNI)