Essendon will run out today against Carlton at the MCG wearing orange shoelaces to raise awareness for the Club’s Make a Stand against Bullying program.
The Make a Stand against Bullying program is a partnership between the Bombers, Bully Zero Australia Foundation and ‘Connected – The Cyberbullying Musical’ with the support of the PMF Foundation and the Bill Hutchison Foundation.
Combining the arts, education and sport, the education program runs for six weeks and will reach more than 5,000 kids at 50 schools in predominantly the northwest region of Melbourne.
Orazio Fantasia said the issue of bullying, in particular cyber bullying, was an important conversation and the players were happy to support such a meaningful cause.
“Bullying is a real issue and something that affects every child at some point in their life,” Fantasia said.
“We hope the small act of us wearing orange shoelaces can send a strong message that cyber bullying is not OK.”
Essendon staff enjoyed a performance of ‘Connected – The Cyberbullying Musical’ at the True Value Solar Centre ahead of the program launch on Monday 2 May.
The exciting new musical uses an energetic, fast-paced narrative and an edgy, contemporary soundtrack to demonstrate in live action what the impact of cyberbullying in today’s society.
Essendon Football Club CEO, Xavier Campbell, said the unique partnership and innovative program was an important part of the Club’s community strategy.
“Bullying is a social issue that must not be ignored or underestimated; we all have an obligation to respond and that’s why we’re making a stand against it.
“If we consider that bullying currently affects and impacts 1 in 5 Australians – that is more than 6 million people in our country suffering from the devastating consequences of such a social issue.
“Education is the key to changing the way we deal with bullying. We hope this new program can contribute to the wellbeing of children and the wider community.”
Bully Zero Australia Foundation Director and Board member, Ali Halkic,experienced first-handthe devastating consequences of cyber bullying when his 17 year-old son, Allem, took his own life as a victim of cyber bullying.
“If only I understood the impact of social media. I thought my son was safe in his bedroom. I was wrong and I paid the ultimate price and lost Allem to cyber bullying. Life will never be the same for me, his mother, friends and family.”
Halkic thanked the Essendon Football Club on behalf of Bully Zero Australia Foundation, for its willingness to provide assistance to educating the community and in particular over 5,000 young Australians as part of the musical program.
For more information about the Bully Zero Australia Foundation, click here.
