Feature News

28 May 2007 - Jason Murnane

The initiative was first introduced to and supported by senior players at the beginning of the 2000 season, to give players the opportunity to help those less fortunate than themselves.

Since 2000, AFL Players have raised and donated over $500,000 to charity.

All players, through their delegates, are asked to nominate charities for the fund. Eligible charities may also submit applications to be considered by the AFLPA executive.

The fund is managed by the AFLPA, and 100 per cent of all player donations are distributed amongst the charitable organisations selected by the players.

	2006 season

Berry Street, Youth off the Streets and Neil Sachse Foundation share in $30,000 of player raised funds

Melbourne FC AFL players Daniel Ward and Cameron Bruce presented Berry Street Victoria's Peter Edwards, Berry Street Victoria's Director of Community Relations with a cheque for $10,000 as part of the AFL Players' Association Charity Fund.

Melbourne FC players Daniel Ward & Cameron Bruce present Peter Edwards of Berry Street Victoria with a cheque for $10,000.

The AFLPA Charity Fund has donated over $500,000 of AFL player raised funds to a number of charities over the funds nine years of operation.

Other charities to receive $10,000 of player donated funds include Father Chris Riley's Youth off the Streets and the Neil Sachse Foundation (formerly Spinal Research Fund of Australia).

AFL Players' Association CEO Brendon Gale said today he was delighted with the ongoing commitment shown by players to those in a less fortunate position.

"The donation of player raised money to Father Chris Riley's Youth off the Streets, The Neil Sachse Foundation and Berry Street Victoria is yet another example of the tremendous work that AFL players are doing in the community.

Over the seven year existence of the AFLPA Charity Fund, AFL players have raised and donated more than half a million dollars in funds to a number of groups doing really commendable work."

"Today's announcement continues on from the recently launched AFL player driven initiative, (in partnership with the AFL Foundation and the Victorian Government), to develop, construct and operate a home for homeless youth in inner Melbourne.  The level of dedication shown by AFL players in supporting those is a less fortunate position is to be commended." Gale said.
The three charities selected by AFL players to receive $10,000 donations include;

Berry Street Victoria

Berry Street Victoria has been protecting and caring for children & strengthening families since 1877.

Since this time, Berry Street has assisted young children who have been victims of, or are at risk of, family violence, abuse and neglect.  The charity helps increase life chances and choices for children and young people at risk.

Melbourne FC's Daniel Ward along with a number of other Demons players have worked with and supported the work of Berry Street for some time.

For more information on the work of Berry Street Victoria, phone (03) 9429 9266, or visit their website at www.berrystreet.org.au

Father Chris Riley's Youth off the Streets

Youth off the Streets is a NSW based organisation assisting chronically homeless and drug addicted young people turn their lives around.  The charity believes strongly in the ethos that every young person has greatness within.

Y.O.T.S strives to ensure that young people leave their care drug free, with a high school education, living skills and a full or part time job in hand.

Former Collingwood and Carlton great Craig Davis Chair's Y.O.T.S and current Sydney Swans' player Craig Bolton is an Ambassador.

For more information on the work of Youth off the Streets, phone (02) 8332 5000 or visit their website at www.youthoffthestreets.com.au

Neil Sachse Foundation (formerly Spinal Research Fund of Australia)

The Neil Sachse Foundation is a South Australian based organisation dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

Headed up by former Footscray player Neil Sachse, (who on April 12, 1975 at age 24 became the first and only quadriplegic in VFL/AFL football history), the organisation raises money towards research and treatments, coordinates the development of new technologies, coordinates clinical trials, as well as educating the community on spinal cord injury, its prevalence, causes and effects.

For more information on the work of The Neil Sachse Foundation, phone (08) 8269 7670, or visit their website at www.nsf.org.au