Richmond Football Club has announced The Alannah and Madeline Foundation as its preferred charity partner, for the next three years.

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation (the Foundation) is a national charity protecting children from violence and its devastating impact.

The implementation of this partnership will sit inside the Tigers in Community Foundation - the community arm of the Richmond Football Club. It is a partnership that fits fits neatly inside the TICF’s charter of supporting young people and preventing harm.

A key component of the partnership is Richmond’s support of the Foundation’s Better Buddies Framework, a program which has been introduced in almost 1,000 primary schools across Australia to help reduce bullying, and create friendly and caring school communities.

Better Buddies assists students entering their first year of primary school to feel safe, valued and connected to the school community, by pairing them with an older buddy.

The Tigers will raise funds to help support the Better Buddies Framework in primary schools in Melbourne.

“This is an exciting opportunity where we can build awareness around bullying and help create safe environments for children.  As a football club we have a responsibility to give back to the community in a meaningful way, and this provides such an opportunity,” said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.

“We’re thrilled to be working with The Alannah and Madeline Foundation in a number of their initiatives, in particular the Better Buddies Framework.

“Bullying is a serious issue in schools, and we will be providing all the support we can to help young students feel welcome and safe at school.”

The Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged 6 and 3, who were tragically killed with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur, Tasmania, on 28 April 1996.

The Foundation’s patrons include International Patron, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, National Patron, The Hon. Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia and Patron, Walter Mikac. Ambassadors include Giaan Rooney, Grant Hackett and Robert DiPierdomenico.

Richmond players, including Jack Riewoldt, will become Foundation supporters to help promote the work of the Foundation.

In the past 12 months, Richmond has supported the Foundation through a number of initiatives and fundraising activities, which has resulted in the formation of an official partnership.

“The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is delighted to be chosen as Richmond Football Club’s preferred charity partner,” said the Foundation’s CEO Dr Judith Slocombe said.

“We congratulate the Club for recognising that bullying is a serious issue and supporting our Better Buddies Framework.

“Bullying causes such terrible harm and we are thrilled to be working closely with the Club to help reduce its devastating impact in our community.”

The Alannah and Madeline Foundation relies on donations and the broader community to support its work.  For more information, or to make a donation, please visit www.amf.org.au or call 1300 720 747.