More than $150,000 has been raised through the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation Kick it for Kids campaign as part of the 2026 AFL Gather Round, with the community coming together to support sick children and their families connected to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
As the official charity partner for the 2026 AFL Gather Round, the WCH Foundation set out to help sick kids get back to what they love most: their families, their backyards and their footy. This year’s result reflects a broad community effort, with supporters, businesses and families all playing a part.
The campaign was brought to life through a range of fundraising and family-focused activities. Local venues took part in a friendly fundraising competition, Run 4 Your Club gave footy fans another way to show their team spirit, and the chill-out zone at the Footy Festival created a welcoming space for children and families during the weekend.
Beyond the fundraising total, the campaign also delivered important moments of connection and joy. Children and families were able to step away from the hospital environment to attend games, meet players and take part in a truly special experience at AFL Max created especially for them.
Strong support from partners and the wider community helped drive the result. Peter Kittle Toyota, the campaign’s major dollar-match partner, matched the first $25,000 in donations. Unified Solar Solutions also supported the effort by matching donations up to $5,000.
Local pubs and cafes rallied their communities throughout Gather Round, with SATHU Cafe, the Archer Hotel, the Cathedral Hotel, Royal Copenhagen Semaphore, The District at SkyCity, the Seacliff Hotel and The Highway all helping to raise funds and awareness for sick kids and their families. Venues donated proceeds from sales and backed the campaign in creative ways, with one publican even shaving his head to help raise funds for sick kids.
The campaign also drew strength from families willing to share their stories. Jude, Daisy, Tara and Sam helped put a human face to the appeal, reminding supporters why it matters to help children get back to the people and places where they feel strongest and safest.
With more than $150,000 raised, this year’s Gather Round campaign showed what can happen when a community backs families through difficult times. The support generated over the weekend will help deliver care, comfort and meaningful moments for children and families well beyond the final siren.
