Having a ball at the MCG

Our annual Bounce of the Ball kicked off once again at the home of football and was everything we could have hoped for – informed updates from some AFL legends, including valuable insights from guest speaker Paul Roos, a handball competition and a chance to get up close with the 2017 Premiership Cup.

We couldn’t have asked for more, but we did!

We asked everyone to dig deep to raise vital funds for our Mums & Bubs program, which provides a home for young women and their children who are facing homelessness. The response was amazing – over 400 guests helped us raise more than $124,000, which will support 10 young mums and their children over the next 15 months to access safe housing and vital support.

We also heard from Laura, who told us that as a young mother with post-natal depression and a new born, her life took a downward turn, until she found herself on the brink of homelessness. For many of us hearing her story, it was inconceivable that this could happen to a young mother in 2017. Laura told us how she was able to turn things around for her and her son after accessing the support of the Mums & Bubs program. Laura learned vital parenting and life skills, enabling her to get back on her feet and secure long term accommodation – which she remains in to this day.

Without the vision, commitment and generosity of everyone involved in this event, none of this would have been possible. We thank in particular, our Event Partner Zagame’s Family Restaurants, and sponsor, Bendigo Private Banking Services - this event would not have been possible without their ongoing commitment.