The Illawarra Hawks game against National Basketball League powerhouse Melbourne United will raise money for the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal. The Mercury, the Illawarra Hawks and the Salvos have joined forces to dedicate the game to the cause. The game will be held on January 4 at the WEC.

"We thought this would be a great way we can come together and raise some money for those impacted by the dreadful fires our nation has experienced," Illawarra Mercury editor Julian O'Brien said. "We'd love for the Illawarra to get right behind this game, support the Hawks and make a donation to the Salvos appeal while doing so."

Salvos volunteers and masthead mascot Mercury Max will be out in front of the WIN Entertainment Centre collecting for the appeal before the game. As the game sponsor, the Mercury gets a package of game admission tickets and those tickets will be donated to those who have helped fight the fires in NSW and their families.

"The Salvation Army is very grateful to the Hawks and the Mercury for organising this fundraiser for our Bushfire Disaster Appeal, " Salvation Army Relations Manager for the Illawarra Karen Walker said.

"We want to be there for the long haul and walk alongside families and communities to help them recover and rebuild both emotionally and physically."

Hawks general manager Mat Campbell said the club was proud to "give the platform to help raise funds for this extremely worthy cause".

"We're extremely thankful for the work of our brave firefighters, volunteers and emergency services," he said.

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