Richmond fans and the broader AFL community rallied behind the Club’s preferred charity, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, last Saturday night to raise $55,000 for the Foundation to keep children safe from violence.
With the support of match-day sponsor AGL, the Tigers dedicated their Round 8 match to the Foundation, with players wearing dedicated guernseys that featured the Foundation’s logo and the colour purple.
The guernseys were auctioned post-game, with match-winner Sam Lloyd’s guernsey fetching $4550 following his goal-after-the-siren heroics.
Funds were also raised through generous contributions from Club sponsors AGL and A.G. Coombs, online donations, the President’s Function, and volunteers from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation rattling tins on the MCG’s concourse on Saturday night.
Richmond’s fundraising efforts from the match have almost exceeded last year’s fundraising total for the charity of $60,000. The Club has raised over $250,000 since the partnership began in 2012.
Richmond CEO, Brendon Gale, said the Club was overwhelmed by the support from the AFL and Richmond communities last Saturday night.
“It’s wonderful to see that our members and supporters are as invested into this partnership with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation as we are,” Gale said.
“We are thrilled to have helped the Foundation raise this amount of money to help with their mission to ensure every child lives in a safe and supportive environment.”
Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO, Lesley Podesta, said Saturday night’s match was a truly special event.
“Last Saturday, the Richmond versus Sydney Swans game, was one of the most powerful community events I have witnessed,” Podesta said.
“Not only for the thrilling win, but just watching thousands of Australians light up the ‘G with their phones in support of children and families affected by violence.”
“The dedication of Richmond Football Club’s staff and players to the Foundation and the community is both appreciated and admired.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the Club for their heartfelt commitment in assisting us to raise vital funds for the work we do – and the loyalty and passion of your fantastic fan base is infectious.”
