If you held a poll asking who would instigate the donation movement among sporting identities Nick Kyrgios wouldn't be the first name to come to mind.

But his tweet confirming he'll donate $200 per ace (and he launches a fair few of them) kickstarted a domino effect which will hopefully continue over the next few weeks.

Soon after the ATP Cup, about to be held for the first time in Australia, announced they'd donate $100 per ace at the event, with a number of other Aussie tennis stars uniting behind Kyrgios.

Big Bash master blasters Darcy Short, Nick Maxwell and Chris Lynn announced they will donate money for each six they hit in the tournament, while star jockeys Tommy Berry and Damian Lane will donate $250 for every winner he rides.

It's a small financial outlay for blokes certainly not short of a quid, but it does highlight the power and influence sport can have when the community is hurting.

Contrary to what our under siege Prime Minister may believe cricketers or any athlete for that matter aren't, nor will they ever be, the 'heroes' everyone should look to for leadership and inspiration.

But they can show the way for the youngsters who look up to them, provide an example of helping those who have helped them get to the privileged positions they enjoy.

Although the fires will be long gone come winter, hopefully that won't detract our football codes from following suit when they kick into gear from March.

The process of rebuilding and getting families back on their feet in the fire-affected communities will be a long and arduous process.

The fact the fires may be extinguished and not in the forefront of everyone's minds shouldn't halt the goodwill the sports community is helping generate.

For instance, a donation for every person that attends an NRL or AFL match could be donated to the cause. It would surely ensure packed houses in each code as families combine a fun day out with doing their small part.

Gone are the days when athletes can't consider themselves as role models. It comes with the territory and their pay packets, and it seems to be sinking in.

READ MORE