The Sharks are excited to announce the Leukaemia Foundation, Relay for Life, Stepping Stone House and Kingsway Care will be riding with us for season 2024 as our official From the Heart Charity Partners.
Through Sharks Have Heart, the four charities and not-for-profit groups will utilise the club's platform and resources to expand their reach while raising awareness of their goals and the impact they have in the local and wider community.
Vinh Tran, Sharks Head of Community and Government Relations, explained the organisations had to demonstrate in their applications how they fit with the club's community values and create meaningful change in their field.
"Our 2024 From the Heart Charity Partners share similar social impact goals and their visions and missions closely align with what Sharks Have Heart and the club are trying to achieve in the community," Tran said.
Each organisation will have a dedicated home game where they can showcase the work they do, the people and vulnerable communities they support as well as raise vital funds through the 50/50 Raffle.
The Leukaemia Foundation, promoting their annual World's Greatest Shave campaign, will be the featured charity during our first home NRL game of 2024 against the Bulldogs on Friday, March 15 at PointsBet Stadium.
Sharks star Toby Rudolf last year took part in the World's Greatest Shave and raised more than $40,000 by shaving his trademark long locks. His fundraising efforts rank among the highest ever for the annual event.
"The Leukaemia Foundation is thrilled to have the support of the Sharks once again in this year's World's Greatest Shave," Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said.
"Over the past few years, we've had a number of players either shave, cut, or colour their hair in support of the 19,500 Australians diagnosed with blood cancer each year, and we couldn't be prouder to partner with the Sharks for World's Greatest Shave in 2024."
The remaining From the Heart Charity Partners will have the opportunity to be featured throughout the season. Hear more from them below.
Jason Juretic, CEO, Stepping Stone House:
"Stepping Stone House is thrilled to be a 2024 Charity Partner with the Cronulla Sharks. We've seen first-hand the impact that players, like our ambassador Ronaldo Mulitalo, have had on the young people in our programs.
"Being able to connect with the Sharks and amplify our impact makes a huge difference in the lives of the young people we support."
Stepping Stone House provides a safe place for children and young people at risk or experiencing homelessness.
Brook Stewart, General Manager, Kingsway Care:
"Kingsway Care is thrilled to partner with Sharkies to make a real difference in our community. Together, we'll raise awareness, advocate for those facing homelessness and social challenges, and provide vital financial support.
"At Kingsway Care, our mission is to support those who have experienced homelessness due to domestic violence or financial struggles, and with Sharkies' support, we can do even more. We're grateful for their partnership and excited to work together to make a positive impact."
Glenn Nicholas, Co-Chair, Sutherland Shire Relay for Life:
"It's exciting that the Sutherland Shire Relay For Life and the Cronulla Sharks Football Club are joining forces again to promote our iconic community event that celebrates cancer survivorship, remembers loved ones lost and fights back against cancer.
"Over 23 years, with the support of our partners and our Relay community, we have been able to achieve the rank of number 1 in Australia, raising over $7 million dollars for Cancer Council NSW. Together we will remember, celebrate and fight back. Up the Sharkies!"
If you would like to help support the work we do with our Charity Partners, as well as the programs and initiatives Sharks Have Heart deliver in the community to support some of its most vulnerable and at-risk members, you can make a tax deductible donation HERE.
To find out more about our From the Heart Charity Partners and other Sharks Have Heart initiatives and programs CLICK HERE.
