Port Adelaide president Brett Duncanson said the club is grateful for the significant increase in what Mr Pickard and his company Lifestyle SA retirement villages had already committed to the club for the coming year and beyond.
Mr Duncanson thanked Mr Pickard for his generosity and confidence in the club’s future.
“Gordon’s commitment to Port Adelaide is outstanding and the club is enormously grateful that through Lifestyle SA retirement villages he has chosen to continue his support at a time when it is more important than ever,” Mr Duncanson said.
“Gordon does this without fanfare and would not want us to mention the figures, but he is now among the greatest contributors Port Adelaide has had in its 141-year history.
“He believes in what Port Adelaide stands for and where we are going, and he is doing an incredible amount to help us get there.”
Mr Duncanson said Mr Pickard was helping both Port Adelaide and the SANFL to make football in South Australia stronger by providing financial support for the club in ways that will bring more supporters to AFL games.
“Gordon’s support is tailored with a view to helping the club to build a better business, through improved football performance, increased attendance and greater capability in the corporate and membership areas,” Mr Duncanson said.
Mr Pickard’s significant increase in support for 2012 and 2013 includes:
- Funding to support the club’s $1 million-plus investment in its Football Department, to help make the team consistently competitive
- Funding to target debt reduction
- Funding to support corporate sponsorship and membership capability
- Initiatives to support the The Port Club licensed venue at Alberton
- Game-day tickets for Lifestyle SA retirement village residents and their families
Duncanson said Mr Pickard’s expanded commitment came as a further boost for the club as it worked to finalise new joint major sponsors. “That he is there for us when we need the support says a great deal about Gordon and his belief in our club and appreciation for what it means to so many people and indeed football in South Australia.
“This is another show of confidence by Gordon in the direction we are taking, and we appreciate it very much.
“Gordon is a great supporter of not only Port Adelaide but the community in many ways, and he goes about it without seeking the praise that he deserves.”
Mr Pickard’s involvement further strengthens the Port Adelaide Football Club on its journey to a redeveloped Adelaide Oval, where AFL games will be played 2014.
“Gordon is helping us to meet our challenges on the field as well as off, and to look forward with confidence and excitement,” Duncanson said.
“The fact that he is increasing his support gives us great encouragement as we plan for the future.”
Mr Pickard has supported Port Adelaide since 2009, providing financial assistance through a range of innovative programs that have improved the club’s position. These include:
- Funding for marketing activities
- Funding for staff in key community-based programs
- Assistance to develop our supporter base and encourage fan involvement in the club and its game-day activities
- The Pickard Power Loyalty Rewards program which delivered prizes to encourage supporters to become members and to attend home games during 2010
- Valuable donations to fundraising activities, including its major auction
- Re-financing to help the club secure its lease on the Prince of Wales Hotel at Queenstown, leading to dramatically improved financial performance in 2011
“Gordon and Lifestyle SA are committed to helping us confront and overcome our challenges and their continued support will allow us to keep doing that as we strive to become financially strong,” Duncanson said.
“We operate in a very competitive environment, but it is reassuring to have Gordon Pickard on our team. He is a much valued friend of Port Adelaide.”
