The Gold Coast SUNS will bring a splash of blue to People First Stadium this Saturday for the sixth Round to RizeUp.

The annual fixture, which was first held in 2021, is dedicated to supporting Major Charity Partner RizeUp’s mission to provide practical support and comfort to families fleeing domestic violence.

The partnership between RizeUp and the Gold Coast SUNS extends beyond 12 years, with the Round to RizeUp initiative having raised more than $95,000.

SUNS players will don special edition blue socks in Saturday’s match against Essendon while every spectator at People First Stadium will be showing their support simply by entering the ground.

Every spectator in attendance People First Stadium on Saturday will result in a $1 donation to RIzeUp, with $2 for every attending SUNS member to be donated.

Through the AFL Players Association Players Care Fund, SUNS players have also donated $5,000.

RizeUp patron and SUNS defender Sam Collins’ match worn guernsey, shorts and boots as well as the match ball will be donated post-match, with all proceeds to be donated to RizeUp.

“RizeUp is an incredible charity who started here on the Gold Coast and now have a presence in Sydney, Melbourne and all across Australia,” Collins said.

“The work they do to help support women and children feeling family and domestic violence is sensational. It’s been rewarding to see firsthand just how many people they have helped, and continue to help.

“It’s a really hard topic to speak about as a middle-aged man, but I urge anyone, whether it’s having a conversation or pulling up one your mates, to do so.

“SUNS players, through the AFL Players’ Association, have donated $5,000 to RizeUp and it’s a great initiative to have $1 donations for every fan at the game this Saturday as well.”

Donations can also be made this Saturday at People First Stadium by visting one of the host of RizeUp volunteers donning blue vests.

For more information on RizeUp’s services or to contribute, visit rizeup.com.au.