The Gold Coast SUNS will once again RizeUp against domestic and family violence in this weekend’s Round 9 match against Fremantle.
This weekend will be the second edition of the Round to RizeUp, with members and fans in attendance having the opportunity to donate to the SUNS’ Major Charity Partner, RizeUp Australia.
Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said he hoped this weekend’s match could build on the strong momentum set from the inaugural Round to RizeUp in 2021.
“RizeUp Australia are an amazing organisation who have been doing terrific work in our community and we have been working with them for the last nine years, with the last three as Major Charity Partner,” Evans said.
“Last year we raised almost $10,000, which was enough to relocate two families to a safer environment and this year we are striving to raise even more necessary funds.
“Every single one of us have women in our lives who we deeply care for and it is our job to create awareness and educate ourselves and the community to change the culture around domestic and family violence.
“To kickstart the fundraising efforts our players have combined to make a $5,000 donation and we’ll be encouraging everyone who attends our match to dig deep for this important cause.”
The match has been scheduled to coincide with Domestic and Family Violence awareness month which began this May.
RizeUp Australia aim to drive awareness of domestic and family violence within society by generating life-changing, practical support for the families affected, giving them hope and empowerment to move on to a life free from violence.
RizeUp Australia CEO Nicolle Edwards said the organisation was thrilled to be celebrating the second annual Round to RizeUp this weekend.
“The partnership with the Gold Coast SUNS goes a long way to shifting community awareness and challenging some of the outdated community myths and behaviours,” Edwards said.
“The community play such an important role in driving awareness but also changing the outcomes for some of the most vulnerable families due to their circumstances.
“For us to make sure that people have a great and safe new start, it will take a collaborative approach, so we’re looking forward to a great outcome on Sunday.”
One of the services RizeUp Australia provides is to help create new beginnings for affected families as they move to new houses. Each new accommodation costs $5000 to fully furnish for these families looking for a fresh start.
The Gold Coast SUNS have been long-term supporters of RizeUp Australia, supporting fundraising and donation efforts as well as volunteering in multiple home creations for at-risk families over the years.
Donations can be made when purchasing tickets to the game, through RizeUp Australia’s website at any time, or throughout the match day at Metricon Stadium.
