Richmond’s clash against Collingwood today at the MCG, is the annual Alannah & Madeline Foundation match.

Since partnering in 2012, Richmond and the Alannah & Madeline 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.

The bags are filled with carefully selected items that focus on the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of children and young people.

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.

Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said the Club was incredibly proud of the partnership.

“The work the Alannah & Madeline Foundation do to keep children safe from violence is so important,” he said.

“Every year the Tiger Army digs deep to support this great charity, and we are so proud of everything we continue to achieve as a partnership.

“We are expecting a big crowd at today’s game against Collingwood and all donations and awareness for the charity that we are able to raise will be crucial for the vital work the Foundation does for the community.”

Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO, Sarah Davies said that the incredible partnership with the Richmond Football Club continued to be a powerful force for good.

“Today, we stand together, committed to being a buddy for children in crisis and ensure no child has to live with the pain of trauma,” she said.

“The passion and generosity of the Tiger Army is nothing short of inspiring.

“Seeing the MCG lit up in yellow, black and purple is a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve together to support vulnerable children to thrive.”