Ten years ago, a TAFE teacher by the name of Tony Ladiges made a lasting impression on a young Jarrad Grant, a relationship that now sees the pair actively working to change the fortunes of locals in the Mornington Peninsula area.

Ladiges is the CEO of charity YNOT Help, which raises money to support Mornington Peninsula families who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result to a life threatening illness or death to a loved one.

Grant is one of four AFL Players associated with the charity and last week elected to donate Gold Coast’s remaining AFL Players’ Care donation to the charity.

“We’re very privileged to be fit and healthy AFL players and looked after pretty well,” Grant told Aflplayers.com.au.

“CEO Tony Ladiges actually taught me in a Year 11 TAFE course which is where our relationship started and have stayed in touch since.

“I grew up in what would be considered a normal family with a mother and father, so my life has been a lot easier compared to what others might go through.

Collectively, the SUNS playing group also elected to donate a portion of funds to the Gold Coast Community Fund, ensuring their local community would also be able to benefit from the AFL Player’s Care scheme.

“If I can help other families out by just being an AFL player and making some kids smile or offering donations to families in need to pay for medical bills or something like that, I’m happy to give back,” Grant said.

While Grant admits he’s long forgotten much of Ladiges' teachings, he is touched to be able to play his role in supporting the YNOT Help Foundation, actively shaping the future of families from his home area.

“It’s not a massive charity but being from the Peninsula, it’s one that’s close to me. There’s also four other boys at the club from that area, so it was only logical to put our case forward,” he said.

“Donating $5,000 is how I can play my part for now and being from my local area makes all that worthwhile.”

A portion of the Gold Coast’s donation will be going towards setting up an education fund for a young family who have recently lost their father/husband to cancer.