Former Mizzou star raising money for Australian fire relief

MELBOURNE, Australia (KMIZ)

Former MU women's basketball star Sophie Cunningham is raising money to help people affected by the Australian fires.

Cunningham is currently living in Australia as a member of the Melbourne Boomers. This summer, she will begin her second year with the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.

Cunningham set up a page on the Australian Red Cross website.

"I’m fundraising for Red Cross to help those affected by these fires. Dealing with an emergency can be stressful and exhausting and recovering from a disaster is something that can take months, or years to overcome," Cunningham said on the website. "Red Cross supports people by being there to provide practical and emotional support and information.:

Cunningham added, "Helping people who have been affected by disasters is really important to me and I’d love your support. I'm donating $25 for every 3 point shot I make for the rest of the season. Please join me by matching my donation, or donating to my fundraising page."

This season, Cunningham is averaging 11.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. The former Rock Bridge star is shooting 38.2 percent from three-point range.

As of Thursday afternoon, Cunningham had raised nearly $2,000, which is double her initial goal.