A Coach with a Huge Heart: Darko Rajakovic Donates Massive Sums to Children's Hospitals as Assist Tally Grows

Pulse Sports Team 10:49 - 29 October 2026

Darko Rajakovic has already proven his worth on the sidelines, but more importantly, he continues to show his immense character off the court.

Ever since taking over as head coach of the Toronto Raptors, Darko Rajakovic has upheld an inspiring tradition. For every assist his team records throughout the season, the Serbian tactician pledges a donation to charitable causes.

The initiative originally started at $20 per assist in his debut season. In honor of the franchise's 30th anniversary, the donation was bumped up to $30, before reaching $33 per assist last season.

Through the first four games of the new season, the Raptors have already racked up 109 assists. If Rajakovic maintains the $33-per-assist pledge, the team has already raised $3,597 for charity.

Last season, Rajakovic contributed $70,200 to charitable organizations after Toronto dished out a total of 2,340 assists.

The proceeds are split among the SickKids Foundation in Toronto, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, and the University Children's Clinic in Belgrade.

Beyond currently leading the Raptors, Rajakovic made significant strides in his NBA coaching career in Memphis, having originally started his coaching path in Belgrade.

Rajakovic previously shared his thoughts on the initiative with Sportal:

"My wife and I are parents; we have a son, and family values are deeply important to us. We feel a responsibility to help because we are fortunate enough to be able to do so—first and foremost in the community where we live, but also at the Tirsova Children's Hospital in Serbia and in Memphis. We hope this inspires others to do the same and help out whenever they can."