Richmond Football Club’s contribution for 2021 to its charity partner, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, has reached an amazing $212,093.

The Foundation, which has partnered with the Club since 2012, is the leading national charity working to protect children from violence and bullying. In that time, Richmond and the Tiger Army has raised an incredible total of $1,464,581.

Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale said the Tiger Army should take enormous pride in this contribution.

“It is wonderful to be able to make this contribution to the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, particularly so, given the impact of COVID,” Gale said.

“Richmond members and supporters always get behind this important partnership and this year is no exception.

“The work of the Foundation is critical. Nothing is more important than the safety of our children and we take great pride in being able to make this contribution and raise the profile of such an important organisation.”

Funds raised were through several avenues, but most incoming donations were via the purchase of Richmond’s Alannah & Madeline Foundation membership. Beyond this, five per cent of all Richmond merchandise sales were donated to the Foundation.

“The dedicated match day held during Round 18 raised almost $60,000 – a fantastic result, given the game was moved to the Gold Coast, with only two days’ notice,” Gale said.

The focus for this year’s dedicated match day was Children Ahead, a Foundation program which provides intensive, therapeutic support for children and young people who have witnessed or experienced extreme family violence.

During the last nine years, funds raised by Richmond Football Club and the Tiger Army have contributed to the support of more than 96,000 young people, including 379 through the Children Ahead initiatives.

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO, Sarah Davies, said the club’s contributions helped to make an enormous difference to the lives of Australian children and was testament to this enduring partnership.

“It is because of partners like the Richmond Football Club and its members, supporter base, players and leadership that we can create a safer world for children. We are truly grateful,” she said.

Alannah & Madeline Foundation Ambassador Ashton Kline knows how much vulnerable children need this support.

When he was only 15, Ashton and six-year-old brother Grant were placed into foster care following the death of their mother at their father’s hands. While in care, they were helped by the Foundation.

Now a nursing lecturer at Australian Catholic University, Ashton encourages his students to regularly volunteer.

“Without the support of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, my brother and I may not be where we are today,” Ashton said.