Richmond Football Club has dedicated its Round 19 match on Saturday 22 July against Hawthorn to raising much-needed funds for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to help children in crisis.
The Richmond Football Club has supported the Alannah & Madeline Foundation since 2012 – one of the longest partnerships in Australian sport - and is proud to be hosting the annual Match Day fundraiser this weekend to help Light the Darkness for children and young people affected by violence and trauma. Funds raised will help support children fleeing violence to heal and recover, including helping to fund the Foundation’s Buddy Bag program.
Every year, around 13,000 children and young people across Australia are taken into emergency care because they are at serious risk of harm or have no other safe place to live – many arrive with nothing but the clothes they are wearing.
These experiences often leave children and young people feeling scared and alone. A Buddy Bag is often given to a child on their first night in emergency care. They include brand new items just for them, such as PJs, toothbrush, underwear, a soft teddy bear – these items help provide them with a sense of security and comfort.
Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale said keeping children safe is something we should all play a part in.
“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation and continue to be inspired by the important work they do in helping children in crisis. It is a privilege to help raise awareness and funds and contribute to providing vital support to those who need it most.”
The Richmond Football Club and the loyal Tiger Army have raised close to $1.7 million for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation during the long-standing partnership, helping provide over 120,000 Buddy Bags to vulnerable children and young people as the first step on their journey to safety and recovery.
Sarah Davies AM, CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation said the Richmond Football Club is a shining example of how sport can be a powerful force for good.
“We share the same values: the belief that helping children and young people live free from violence and trauma is of utmost importance. With the Club’s unwavering support, we have been able to make positive change for those most vulnerable,” Sarah said.
This year, we are aiming to raise $85,000 to help put a Buddy Bag in the hands of every child in crisis this week who needs help.
Fans can support the Foundation by purchasing limited-edition merchandise on game day, by making a donation or purchasing a special Alannah & Madeline Foundation membership at
www.alannahandmadeline.org.au/Richmond
- $50 can provide a Buddy Bag to a child entering emergency care filled with essential items and a special teddy bear.
- $120 can provide a Buddy Bag and essential school supplies for a child in crisis who has had to leave all their belongings behind.
- $250 can provide a Buddy Bag to five children escaping violence providing essential items like PJs, underwear, socks, a toy, book, and teddy bear, helping them take the vital first steps on their journey to safety.
Trent Cotchin, Jacob Hopper and Dion Prestia reveal the special Alannah & Madeline Foundation guernsey that Richmond players will wear in the Round 19 match day fundraiser against Hawthorn here. Or download the clip here.
Richmond Football Club and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation Lighting the Darkness for children and young people in the communities where they live, learn and play.
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Key Facts:
INTERVIEW & PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Open training - Friday July 21
Swinburne centre, Punt Road Oval
Gates open - 10am
Training approx. 10.30am-11.00am
Opportunity for interviews, photos & autographs with the squad after training.
About us:
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation was founded 26 years ago by Walter Mikac AM, and a small group of volunteers in memory of Walter’s young daughters Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged just six and three, who tragically lost their lives along with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur in Tasmania on 28 April 1996. The Foundation was established with the belief that “all children and young people should be able to live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma.” Our mission continues today through our Care, Prevention and Advocacy programs – we fight for their right to be safe, so their future is strong. www.alannahandmadeline.org.au
Contact details:
Simone Redman-Jones
PR & Media Manager - Alannah & Madeline Foundation
simone.redmanjones@amf.org.au | 0499 202 001
Nicki Malady
Head of Communications - Richmond Football Club
nmalady@richmondfc.com.au | 0419 350 711
