PROCEEDS from the sale of 2015 ANZAC Day clash guernseys will go towards both the RSL South Australia and a community program designed to help defence force families.
The program, to run in partnership with the South Australian Medical Research Institute, will be run by Power Community Limited (PCL)and will focus on helping families connect with the community and build resilience.
It’s all part of Port Adelaide’s ongoing partnership with RSL-SA and association with the AFL’s Anzac Round.
At Port Adelaide’s Anzac Round clash this year, Power players donned commemorative guernseys carrying the name of every Port Adelaide player who has served their country in conflict, to remember the centenary of troops landing at Gallipoli.
RSL-SA was the PAFC game day charity and also collected funds through the sale of pins at every gate around Adelaide Oval.
Together the RSL-SA and Port Adelaide raised almost $26,000 through the match-worn Guernsey auction, proceeds from Guernsey sales at the Port Store and gate collection.
Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas says it’s wonderful to see proceeds from Anzac Round come full circle, back to helping those who have served in our armed forces.
“This money that we’re raising goes directly towards helping veterans and children of those serving their country,” Keith Thomas said.
“Many of our players move as young men from interstate to start their football careers with us, so there’s a natural synergy for us to tell their stories to help build resilience in children of service men and women who often have to move around the country because of different postings.”
When the Power take on Geelong in another Saturday night Anzac Round fixture next year, RSL-SA will again be the club’s game day charity.
The children and defence force parents involved in the club’s community resilience program will also be invited to attend.
RSL-SA chief executive officer Julia Langrehr says the money raised will be invaluable in supporting defence force families, and they’re looking forward to continuing the partnership at next year’s commemorative Anzac Round clash.
“The RSL are very pleased to be the charity for AFL ANZAC Round and the last two games at Adelaide Oval have been fantastic spectacles,” Ms Langrehr said
“The funds raised from the game and the ANZAC guernseys allow us to continue delivering services for Veterans and their families.”
Port Adelaide will play Geelong on Saturday night (7.10pm) April 23 at Adelaide Oval.
