Patty Mills Announces The Formation Of The Team Mills Foundation
An “All Hands In” Approach Committed to Supporting the Environment, Multiculturalism, Diversity, Women and Family.
Three-time Olympian, NBA Champion and proud Indigenous Australian Patty Mills announced today the formation of the Team Mills Foundation, a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting and championing culture, diversity, women and underprivileged families and enacting positive change for the environment worldwide. Through innovative strategies and a creative approach, the Team Mills Foundation creates a new model for communities across the globe to come together, spark conversation and ignite action to achieve the ultimate goal of a brighter future for those who need it most.
The announcement of The Team Mills Foundation coincides with the start of National Reconciliation Week; a time for Australians to learn about the shared histories, cultures and achievements and strengthen the bonds with the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The theme for National Reconciliation Week for 2020 is “In This Together”, and much like the “All Hands In” mantra of the Team Mills Foundation, it represents how working as a collective can achieve powerful results.
The Foundation is welded to the ideal of “community”, shared values and respecting traditions and is brought to life by Patty Mills’ passion and desire of giving back and thriving on the success and wellbeing of others. The mission for the Team Mills Foundation is simple: Make a positive, long-lasting impact on communities worldwide.
“I am incredibly excited to announce the launch of Team Mills Foundation; an organisation built on taking courageous and ongoing action to bring long-lasting improvement to people’s lives.” says Patty Mills.
“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.”
“I play basketball, and I’m grateful for what the sport has provided for me and my family, but I’m even more appreciative for the voice and platform that has come along with it. It has allowed me to follow through with my successes on the court to inspire, support and make change in other people's lives, especially the ones who need it most.”
“Striving for greatness in my field, to create history, to accomplish the unimaginable - sure, it's for me, but it turns out - it isn’t. It’s for everyone and everything that will be directly impacted by this Foundation.”
The Team Mills Foundation will strive to bring awareness and opportunities to the issues and causes that align with the six core values that the Foundation is built upon:
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 caretaking 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. MULTICULTURAL AND DIVERSITY.
Understanding and recognising multicultural diversity with the means to appreciate and learn from the differences, to celebrate and build on the similarities.
Through collaborative, community-focused partnerships and activations the Team Mills Foundation aims to work closely with local groups and organisations to put a spotlight on important causes and innovative projects and as well as put practices in place for long-term, sustainable solutions.
In 2019, “The Community Water Project” was launched in partnership with Zero Mass Water and Australian Indigenous Basketball; an initiative aimed at providing clean, sustainable drinking water for six very remote drought-stricken Indigenous communities.
More recently, the #GiveMamaCoffee Mother’s Day Drive brought together the community of San Antonio to support eight local coffee shops who had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging the community to shop small, but think big. To further the campaign’s reach nationally and internationally, a “GoFundMe” page was set up to receive virtual coffee donations. The #GiveMamaCoffee Mother’s Day Drive raised over $100,000USD with all funds donated to the Family Violence Prevention Services - Battered Women and Children’s Shelter of San Antonio, Texas.
Putting knowledge in practise, The Team Mills Foundation are thrilled to partner with The Firesticks Alliance, a relationship that stemmed from a recent trip to Australia in March whilst visiting the bushfire-affected communities. Learning from Indigenous land management expert Victor Steffensen and The Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation, Team Mills Foundation aims to share the knowledge of cultural burning practices, and improved ‘reading’ of country, to help restore the land. By continuing to educate and spread awareness of these practices, there is much evidence that, if adopted, could greatly benefit not only Australians, but all people worldwide. More details surrounding this dynamic partnership will be revealed at a later date,
To learn more about the values and causes of the Team Mills Foundation and how to get involved, visit teammillsfoundation.org or follow the Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube using #TeamMillsFdn and #AllHandsIn.