PORT Adelaide players will be wearing an added splash of colour at the MCG this weekend, in support of Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation.
Along with the Hawthorn team, the Power boys’ boots will have rainbow-coloured laces to support the Foundation which encourages families to discuss the life-saving need for organ donation.
The teams will also be vying for the inaugural Zaidee Trophy when they clash from 1.40pm on Saturday in their Round 21 match.
Online Game Day: News, Game Day Chat & MoreThe Foundation was established in memory of Zaidee Turner, who died in 2004 aged just 7 after a blood vessel burst in her brain. She was the only child in Victoria that year to donate her organs and tissues, and one of only six nation-wide. Zaidee’s gift of life helped seven other people.
The Foundation has the rainbow as its emblem. As well as the players’ boots being coloured on Saturday, the match balls will feature rainbow lacing and the goal umpires’ flags will bear the Foundation logo.
Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation runs a community awareness program that has already helped save the lives of many people waiting for their transplant. It believes that family discussions can help make difficult decisions easier in the event of the tragic death of a young person.
On average around 130,000 Australians die each year, but the number of organ and tissue donors only sits in the hundreds. In 2010, 309 people gave the greatest gift of all and results this year have increased again.
“By encouraging parents to speak to their children about organ and tissue donation we hope that those currently on the transplant waiting list will have a better chance of receiving their transplant in time,” said Allan Turner, Zaidee’s father and CEO of Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation.
The Port Adelaide Football Club is honoured to support Zaidee’s legacy of life.
For more information - and to buy your own pair of rainbow-coloured shoe laces - go to www.zaidee.org
