The Gold Coast SUNS will not tolerate domestic and family violence and this weekend’s game will be the Gold Coast communities’ “Round to RizeUp.”
Members and Fans attending the Round 8 Toyota AFL Premiership Match against St Kilda will be given the opportunity to donate to help families affected by domestic and family violence.
In conjunction with the club’s Major Charity Partner RizeUp, the Gold Coast SUNS aim to help create awareness and educate the community around the prevention of domestic and family violence.
RizeUp’s mission is to drive awareness of domestic and family violence within our society by generating life-changing, practical support for the families affected, giving them the hope and empowerment to move on to a life free from violence.
A family fleeing from a violent household will often enter a refuge with nothing but the clothes on their backs. RizeUp have created various programs to support and empower these courageous families via specialist domestic and family violence organisations.
When a family leaves a refuge, RizeUp furnish their new accommodation with everything they need to make it a home, so they can make a fresh start. They also help impacted children in their healing process and to settle into a new school.
As a club we will be asking our community to RizeUp and help create new beginnings for our fellow community members. Each new accommodation setup, costs approximately $5,000 to furnish for a family making a fresh start. Our goal is to raise money through this game, to set up as many homes as possible to help Gold Coast families as they flee a violent household.
Donations can be made whilst purchasing tickets to the game via Ticketek, at any time via the RizeUp website or on match day at Metricon Stadium.
GC SUNS players and staff have in the past week been part of an information session to help better educate themselves and with the help of RizeUp volunteers will this week set up a home for a family in need.
RizeUp CEO Nicolle Edwards' presentation to players and staff highlighted ways we could all be active community advocates to prevent domestic and family violence.
“Violence against women begins with disrespect,” Edwards said.
“Give yourselves permission to lean in because every single one of us has capacity to change what happens next.
“By challenging disrespect towards women we can change the culture and ultimately prevent violence against women.”
Every single one of us plays a role in creating a brighter future for families affected by Domestic and Family Violence.
As individuals, as a team and as a club, we can:
- Look after our friends and family, our neighbours and colleagues
- Ask if they’re okay?
- Hold our friends and family accountable for their attitudes and behaviours
- Understand the drivers to violence against women and children
If you or anyone you know is affected by domestic or family violence contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or if you are in immediate danger call 000.
