For the second consecutive year, the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation proudly partnered with the AFL as the official charity partner for the 2025 AFL Gather Round. From 10 to 13 April, thousands of footy fans, corporate supporters, and community champions “Gathered Round their Hospital” to make a difference for children and their families.
As the official charity partner of this much anticipated event, the Foundation invited all footy goers to “Kick It For Kids.” The campaign encouraged fans to donate the equivalent of a goal ($6) in support of children and families at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. With an initial target of $20,000 or 3,000 goals, the campaign’s results far exceeded expectations.
Together, we raised over $114,000, the equivalent of 19,000 goals kicked for kids.
This achievement was made possible thanks to the generous backing of Peter Kittle Toyota, who matched donations as the Matched Giving Partner. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon also contributed in a big way, pledging $1,000 for each goal scored in the Collingwood vs Sydney Swans game, adding an impressive $28,000 to the fundraising total. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, also stepped onto the field and made an incredible commitment to match every dollar donated to the “Kick It For Kids” initiative.
At the heart of the “Kick It For Kids” campaign was the Purling family, hero ambassadors who shared their deeply personal story. Both of their sons, James and Jack, were born prematurely with Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT), a rare and life-threatening condition.
For families like the Purling’s, this campaign was about more than just raising money. It was about lifting spirits and providing hope. Donations directly support initiatives that help kids leave the Hospital sooner, reuniting them with their families, backyards, and footy games.
Thanks to the incredible community of supporters and the magic of footy, we showed once again that when we stand together, no child gets left behind.
