West Coast Eagles fans may be feeling dismayed after the team’s Saturday 171-point defeat by the Sydney Swans, but charitable causes have come out on top after a volley of goals drove the QBE Foundation to make a bumper post-match donation.
The clash resulted in a $93,000 QBE Foundation donation, or $3,000 for each of the 31 goals the Swans scored during the game. The funds will be split between QBE's community partners and the Sydney Swans Foundation as part of the duo’s Goals for Good initiative.
Those set to benefit from the windfall include Save the Children Australia, Stars Foundation, Australian Red Cross, Orange Sky, Foodbank Australia, and R U OK?.
“Joining forces with the Sydney Swans throughout our nearly four-decade long partnership has been an incredible way to support the communities and causes closest to both our organisations,” said QBE Foundation co-chair Jon Fox. “We're proud to have continued this important work through this year's QBE Foundation Goals for Good initiative.”
At least the Eagles can take one silver lining from their 171-point loss... they ensured a massive donation to charity! pic.twitter.com/IE1TisjeMi
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) June 26, 2023
QBE's Goals for Good Event also celebrated those who work hard to help communities across Australia, with volunteers from Australian Red Cross, Orange Sky, and R U OK? doing the game's match ball delivery and Guard of Honour.
“The community spirit shown by our community partners is inspiring, and QBE is proud to support them in their endeavours as we all work together to create positive change,” Fox said. “We were delighted to invite our community partners and their volunteers and families to the clubroom on Saturday to enjoy the game and an afternoon of entertainment, as a small thank-you for continually going above and beyond to help create strong, resilient, and inclusive communities.”
Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said the initiative highlighted the foundations' commitment to their communities.
“We are so proud to have been involved this weekend. For the team to have equalled the second-highest goal tally in our club's history is incredible, and we're thrilled to see a huge $93,000 going to charity,” Harley said. “On behalf of the club and the Sydney Swans Foundation, I would like to thank QBE for their ongoing support and generosity.”
Last month, QBE Insurance featured star players from Sydney Swans AFL & AFLW and NSW Swifts in its latest campaign to show the significance of being covered when the unexpected happens.
