The Richmond Football Club, along with its partner AGL, will support the Club’s preferred charity partner, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, in this Saturday night’s Round 8 match against Sydney.
The dedicated match will raise awareness and funds to assist the Foundation in its vision to keep all Australian children safe from violence and bullying.
On Saturday night, the MCG will be cast into darkness and fans will be asked to turn on their phone lights to symbolise bringing light to children’s lives.
2016 Alannah & Madeline Foundation guernsey revealed
Richmond players will wear a dedicated match guernsey that features the Alannah & Madeline Foundation logo on the back and the colour purple, which is synonymous with the Foundation.
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 over 8500 children through the program, teaching them the important values of caring for others and ultimately helping to reduce bullying – whether it be in the school yard or online.
Last year alone Richmond raised $60,000 for the Foundation and in total the Club has raised over $200,000 since the beginning of the partnership.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said the Club is committed to supporting the Foundation in its vision to keep children safe from violence.
Round 8 Richmond v Sydney Match Day Info
“More than one million children are affected by family violence in Australia and sadly, that number has risen by six per cent over the past 12 months.”
“These figures are alarming, and we’ll do what we can to support the Foundation and raise awareness and educate the community that violence towards children needs to stop.”
Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO Lesley Podesta said through partners such as Richmond and AGL, the Foundation was able to raise awareness and crucial funds for its programs.
“Much of the population is unaware of the impact domestic violence has on children and so events like this really help us raise awareness and money, which can be used to help these vulnerable children,” Podesta said.
“I really can’t wait to see the MCG on the night.”
AGL will match donations to the Foundation up to $10,000 on Saturday night.
“AGL recognises that we all need to work together to tackle the challenge of family violence - as businesses, sports clubs and individuals,” Andy Vesey, AGL CEO & Managing Director said.
“That's why we're proud to be partnering with the Richmond Football Club and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to raise money to help keep children safe from violence.
“AGL will be matching donations of up to $10,000 on the night of the game and we’ll also donate five per cent of every bill for Richmond fans on an AGL Richmond energy plan.”
