VANCOUVER (CP) - Like the passing and shooting skills that have made him one of the NBA's top players, Steve Nash's social conscience was developed and refined as he matured.

As a kid growing up in Victoria, Nash says he was "sensitive to some things but oblivious for the most part" to issues such as poverty and hunger.

"Especially when you're young, you're a lot more self-centred," the two-time NBA most valuable player said Friday. "You don't see much further than the reach of your arms and legs."

It was while attending Santa Clara College that Nash began taking a bigger interest in world issues.

"I started to learn more about the diversity there is in the world and the inequality," said the 32-year-old Phoenix Suns point guard. "It got me thinking. The NBA also does a great job in the community trying to bring people together.

"With those two forces I realized I have the potential to help individually and it just kind of grew."

An example of Nash's desire to give back to the community will be the charity basketball game he will host Saturday night. Proceeds from the match, which will be held at Vancouver's GM Place, will go to the Steve Nash Foundation which is dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education and enjoyment of life.

Other NBA players expected to attend include Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks; Morris Peterson of the Toronto Raptors; Rashard Lewis of the Seattle Sonics; former Raptor Charlie Villanueva now of the Milwaukee Bucks; and one-time Vancouver Grizzlie Felipe Lopez.

Victoria-born Nelly Furtado, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who mentions Nash in one of her latest hits, will be master of ceremonies. Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark will perform the national anthem while Bedouin Soundclash will entertain at halftime.

Later this summer Nash will visit Africa as part of the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program, a global basketball development and community outreach program.

On the subject of basketball, Nash was asked if he'd like to end his career playing in Canada for the Raptors.

"I don't know if I'll ever have the chance," he said. "I'm really happy in Phoenix. Hopefully I'll have a dream end to my career in Phoenix.

"I love Toronto, I'd love to play in Canada if the opportunity presents itself. In some ways I hope it doesn't because things are great in Phoenix."

Before the Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001, there was talk of Vancouver making a trade for Nash. It was speculated the local hero could breath life into the floundering franchise, but even Nash wonders if that would have been too much of a burden for him to shoulder.

"I don't know how that would have played out," he said. "I'm not sure if it would have been really great for me or the franchise or not so good. In hindsight, it's still unclear."

While some athletes hock everything from cars to lottery tickets, Nash is very selective about the products he endorses. He recently signed a deal with a Canadian beverage company, in part because it pledged to help establish safe water supplies in developing nations.

On Thursday, Nash was in Victoria to participate in an inner-city park ceremony that included opening a new outdoor basketball court. His foundation, which has had a hand in quietly resurrecting several Victoria area parks in the past, also played a role in the redevelopment.

But Nash, recently named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people", said you don't need to be a millionaire to give back to your community.

"I think it's important for all individuals to give back," he said. "We (sports stars) have a platform to give back, we have a platform to multiply what we can do.

"Every individual, somebody who doesn't have that platform, can give to their neighbour, sister, mother, father. I think it's important for people to have a sense of selflessness and a sense of community. As basketball players we have an opportunity to magnify that a little bit and create more interest. I don't think it's something that should be solely thought of professional athletes."