Richmond Football Club partners with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to support children in emergency care
Photo: Richmond Football ClubTiger Army Unites for Children in Crisis
Raylene Easton
22 July, 2025You Don't Have to Take the Field to Change the Game
On Sunday 27 July, the Tiger Army has the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children facing their darkest moments. Join us at the MCG for our annual fundraising match day in partnership with the Richmond Football Club and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.Round 20 sees Richmond take on Collingwood at 2:10 PM in what promises to be more than just a game – it's a day where our incredible Tiger Army unites to ensure no child in emergency care goes to bed without hope.
A Crisis We Can't Ignore
Every hour, a child is removed from an unsafe home, and many arrive in emergency care with just the clothes on their back. These children, traumatised and afraid, need our support more than ever. Right now, half the children who need a Buddy Bag are missing out because demand exceeds supply. Each Buddy Bag is like a care package, filled with brand-new essentials to help a child take their first steps toward safety and recovery.
The Power of a Buddy Bag
One Buddy Bag can mean the world to a child in crisis. These care packages are packed with clean clothes, comfort items, and most importantly, the message that someone cares about their wellbeing. Your support can make an immediate impact: $55 can provide one complete Buddy Bag for a child who has left everything behind. $82 can provide four children with new, clean pyjamas to help them feel comforted and safe. $100 can provide new PJs, a book, and a cuddly teddy bear for four children to help them heal and recover.
Millie's Story
"I've never had a teddy before," said four-year-old Millie after receiving her Buddy Bag. When siblings Millie, Aaron (7), and Jessica (10) were first taken into emergency foster care, they were traumatised from the violence they'd experienced and were afraid of everyone.Thanks to caring people like you, each child received a Buddy Bag on one of the toughest days of their lives. These simple care packages provided comfort and hope when they needed it most, helping them begin their journey toward healing and recovery.
How You Can Help
There are several ways to show your support on July 27. Consider purchasing an Alannah & Madeline Foundation footy membership – 100% of the profits go directly to helping children heal and recover. Your membership includes general admission access to the Foundation Round, access to 2025 member benefits, and priority access to finals tickets. You can also wear your support with pride by purchasing exclusive co-branded Foundation and Richmond Football Club beanies and scarves at the game. All proceeds from these items support the Foundation's vital work with traumatised children.
Join the Tiger Army
This Sunday, 27 July, you have the chance to be more than a supporter – you can be a buddy to a child escaping violence. Together, we can ensure that every child in emergency care receives the comfort and hope they desperately need. Make your mark off the field. Be their buddy. Join us at the MCG for Round 20 as Richmond takes on Collingwood, and help us change the game for children in crisis. To donate directly to the cause, visit support.alannahandmadeline.org.au/richmond. Go Tigers!