Thanks to the generosity of Richmond members and supporters, the Club will this year donate $75,000 to its preferred charity partner, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, to help keep children safe from violence.
Richmond President Peggy O’Neal confirmed this year’s donation at the Foundation’s recent annual gala ball, Starry Starry Night.
The Club has now donated in excess of $300,000 since the partnership with the Foundation was established in 2012.
There was a variety of fundraising efforts throughout this year, including the Club’s Round 8 dedicated match-day against Sydney, fondly remembered for Sam Lloyd’s stirring, match-winning goal after the final siren. The players’ purple Alannah & Madeline Foundation guernseys were auctioned online post-game.
The Club also donates five percent of Tigerland Superstore proceeds to the Foundation, and more than 1250 Richmond members purchased the Alannah & Madeline Foundation membership, with all proceeds donated.
The Foundation was established following the Port Arthur tragedy 20 years ago, with the belief that all children have the right to a safe and happy childhood, free from violence.
Richmond partnered with the Foundation in 2012 and currently sponsors 35 schools through the Better Buddies program.
The Club has reached more than 8500 children through the program, teaching them the important values of caring for others and, ultimately, helping to reduce bullying, whether it’s in the schoolyard or online.
Of the funds raised by Richmond, $40,000 will support delivery of the Better Buddies and E-Smart programs in the Club’s sponsored schools, and $35,000 will purchase Buddy Bags.
Buddy Bags are backpacks distributed to children who have been forced to flee their homes due to family violence and placed into emergency care.
Dion Prestia and @stevemorris38 packing the 70,000th Buddy Bag for our fantastic charity partner @alannahmadeline pic.twitter.com/i5hPkWovJb
— Richmond FC (@Richmond_FC) December 1, 2016
Children often arrive in emergency accommodation with only the clothes they are wearing. The Buddy Bags contain new and essential items, such as toiletries, pyjamas, socks, underwear and a pillowcase, as well as a book, photo frame and teddy bear.
“It saddens all of us when we read about children that have been victims of violence or bullying. It is completely unacceptable and, as a Club, we are proud of this partnership and the Foundation’s commitment to support and prevention,” Richmond President Peggy O’Neal said.
“The Club’s support is made possible through to the generosity of our members and supporters. I thank each of them for allowing their club to support an organisation that makes such an important contribution to our community.
“More than one million children are affected by family violence in Australia and our entire Club, from the players, coaches, staff, members and supporters, are invested in raising awareness and funds to keep our children safe.”
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO Lesley Podesta said Richmond’s contribution at Starry Starry Night would help protect thousands of Australian children from violence and bullying. Ms Podesta praised the Club’s commitment and dedication to support and promote the Foundation’s programs.
“Our partnership with Richmond has been, and continues to be, valuable to the success and reach of our programs,” Ms Podesta said.
“We are extremely appreciative of the passion the Club has shown for the Foundation and the work we do.”
More than $750,000 all-up was raised by the Foundation at the annual Starry Starry Night event, to help keep children safe from violence and bullying.
Richmond players Ben Griffiths, Oleg Markov, and former Tiger, Dan Jackson, along with Club staff, attended this year’s Starry Starry Night.
Griffiths and Markov performed The Rolling Stones’ Honky Tonk Woman with Mike Brady, as part of the evening’s entertainment.
To find out more, or to donate to The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, go to amf.org.au.
