The Gold Coast SUNS are calling on the Gold Coast community to RizeUp against domestic and family violence this Saturday, in the club’s first AFLW Round to RizeUp.
The fixture is dedicated to supporting the SUNS' Major Charity Partner RizeUp's mission to provide practical support and comfort to adults, children and young people fleeing domestic and family violence.
While Saturday marks the inaugural dedicated SUNS AFLW fixture, the partnership between RizeUp and the Gold Coast SUNS extends beyond 12 years. Since the annual AFL Round to RizeUp was launched in 2021, the SUNS community has raised more than $145,000 while supporting thousands of victim-survivors.
This week, the SUNS AFLW squad and coaches rolled up their sleeves to build flat-pack furniture that will support families in rebuilding their lives with dignity and greater stability.
The SUNS will also don special-edition blue socks in Saturday’s match against Richmond at People First Stadium.
SUNS fans can show their support by simply donating or purchasing Round to RizeUp Raffle tickets, available online and at the match, with all funds supporting vulnerable families and people impacted by domestic violence.
Prizes including return flights to Fiji, thanks to Fiji Airways, along with Gold Coast SUNS AFL and AFLW merchandise and premium experiences, are on offer and will be drawn on Monday, 26 October.
RizeUp Founder & CEO Nicolle Edwards was pleased to see the initiative extend into the SUNS AFLW fixture.
“Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, inspire change and influence conversations well beyond the field,” Edwards said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued. Yet for far too many Australians, that is still not their reality. Domestic and family violence is a whole-of-community responsibility, and every one of us has the opportunity to contribute to a culture where violence is never excused or accepted.
“That’s what makes our inaugural AFLW Round to RizeUp with the Gold Coast SUNS so special. It’s a chance for our community to stand together, celebrate collective strength and show what can happen when we turn our shared values into action.
“I’m enormously proud of our long-standing partnership with the SUNS and I am hopeful for a future where everyone can live free from violence and fear.”
Gold Coast vice-captain Maddy Brancatisano encouraged SUNS fans to attend the last game of the home and away season and support the initiative.
“It’s the first time we are hosting RizeUp Round in the AFLW, which we’re thrilled to be part of,” Brancatisano said.
"I hope everyone can get down. It's a great cause that we're getting behind."
For more information on RizeUp’s services or to contribute, visit rizeup.com.au.
