Richmond’s Round 20 clash with Collingwood on Sunday is the annual Alannah & Madeline Foundation match, an occasion that is bigger than football.

Since partnering in 2012, Richmond and the Foundation have shared one of the longest charity partnerships in Australian sport, helping children live free from violence and trauma, and supporting thousands of young people in crisis.

Over the past 13 years, Richmond and the Tiger Army have raised more than $2.1 million for the Foundation, an incredible feat everyone associated with the Club should be proud of.

This year’s match focuses on raising money to provide children fleeing from violence in emergency care with their very own Buddy Bag.

Every year, around 11,000 children and young people across Australia are taken into the care of child protection authorities because they are at serious risk of harm or have no other safe place to live, while many more experience trauma in the face of natural disasters and other hardships.

Buddy Bags are backpacks thoughtfully packed and provided to these vulnerable children and young people across Australia experiencing crisis, trauma, or just doing it tough. They’re filled with carefully selected items that focus on the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of children and young people.

The bags include new pyjamas, socks, underwear, a toothbrush, toothpaste, face washer, hairbrush, a book to relax the mind, a trauma-informed toy for healing play, and an all-important teddy bear to cuddle for emotional comfort.

A Buddy Bag is something tangible a child or young person can call their own, helping to meet their immediate need – while showing them they are special, that people care for them, and that they matter.

Earlier this year, several Richmond AFL and AFLW players helped pack Buddy Bags, strengthening the meaningful connection between the Club and Alannah & Madeline Foundation. The packing day involves putting together over 250 Buddy Bags, lovingly filled with essential items to comfort children and young people in emergency care.

The incredible partnership between Richmond and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of the Tiger Army, and we are calling on you to be their buddy on Sunday when we take on the Pies.

Whether you’re cheering at home or at the MCG, donate to be a buddy and help provide comfort to a child escaping violence. 

By donating $55 online or at the MCG, you can help a child escaping violence through their first few days in emergency care by giving them the comfort of a Buddy Bag.

Right now, half the children who need a Buddy Bag are missing out because the Foundation can’t keep up with demand. We need the help of the Tiger Army! Your donation will help make sure no child in emergency care goes to bed without clean clothes and the comfort of a teddy bear. $55 can provide ONE Buddy Bag.

To further support the cause, you can purchase a membership or pick up a special edition beanie or scarf from the Roar Store, with all proceeds going towards the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. Click here to buy.

Click here to donate now.