Cory Joseph — in conjunction with his family, and Sacramento Kings assistant coach Roy Rana, Frontier, Sunnybrook Foundation and University Health Network — is donating “thousands” of face shields to frontline workers in Toronto, Ontario through Operation Canadian Shield.

Operation Canadian Shield was started by Flash Reproductions, a Toronto-based printing company that’s making face shields in an effort to give the brave medical workers in Toronto that are treating COVID-19 patients extra protection. Operation Canadian Shield expressed their gratitude to Joseph and his family for their donation via their GoFundMe on Wednesday.

Joseph is from Pickering, Ontario, and played for the Toronto Raptors from 2015 to 2017. Joseph has also represented Canada with the men’s national basketball team, most recently at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

“It is heartbreaking to witness the effects of this pandemic around the world, so I wanted to do my part to help where I grew up,” Joseph said via the Kings’ press release on Wednedsay. “The courageous work of the hospital community is admirable, and it is important to help protect them. I look forward to providing support in Toronto along with upcoming community efforts throughout Canada and Sacramento as we fight this virus together.”

Rana is also a native of Ontario, having grown up in Ontario. Rana coached Joseph and the Canadian men’s national basketball team at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Since then, Raptors head coach Nick Nurse has taken over as head coach of the national team.

“This is a tragic situation for all of us, and at the same time it is inspiring to see Cory’s leadership in this effort,” Rana said via the same press release. “I am honored to help him aid these healthcare heroes back home while they put their lives on the line to save others.”

For more on what the Kings have done to help their community — both in Sacramento and in their native cities — visit kings.com/together.