Essendon and North Melbourne today officially launched the Kick for the Kids game in support of the Good Friday Appeal.
Joined by young patients from The Royal Children’s Hospital, opposing captains Dyson Heppell and Jack Ziebell launched the campaign at Marvel Stadium on Monday.
The Bombers and Kangaroos will go head-to-head in the Kick for the Kids match on Friday, April 19, raising vital funds and awareness for the Good Friday Appeal.
The 88th annual Good Friday Appeal raises money to enable The Royal Children’s Hospital to provide world-class care for children of Victoria.
DONATE TO ESSENDON'S GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL FUND
Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said the club was honoured to be involved in the marquee game to support the prestigious Good Friday Appeal.
"We feel a great sense of privilege to play North Melbourne in Kick for the Kids on Good Friday," Campbell said.
“The fact that staff invest so much in trying to help these children and families through some of the most challenging moments in their lives, for us to be able to play a role in helping raise awareness for that and increase the fundraising is really important. Football clearly takes a back seat here.
“Not only do we acknowledge the patients and incredible staff at The Royal Children’s Hospital, we want to use this week to also honour the families and the tireless volunteers too.
“Essendon is fortunate to feature in a number of blockbuster games that have a strong sense of representing and honouring various aspects of our wider community and it will be a privilege to see our players run out on Friday in support of the Good Friday Appeal.”
Opposing captains Dyson Heppell and Jack Ziebell at today's Kick for the Kids game launch. (Photo: AFL Media)
Heppell said the Bombers were privileged to feature in the Good Friday game against North Melbourne.
“As players, we know the fortunate position we are in to use our platform in support of important causes like the Good Friday Appeal. It’s one of the best children’s hospitals in the world and I urge all our supporters to get involved in the campaign in any way or shape this week in the name of charity,” Heppell said.
“With a couple of good wins under our belt in the past fortnight, and North coming off their first win of the season on the weekend, we hope to see a packed crowd at Marvel Stadium on Friday as we kick for the kids.”
In a new initiative for the annual Kids for the Kids clash, two of the AFL’s greatest ever full-forwards will reignite their on-field rivalry for the Good Friday Appeal.
Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd and North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey will face off in a Legends’ Kick for the Kids.
The shoot-out will take place at half-time, and for every goal kicked, a set amount will be donated to the Good Friday Appeal.
Essendon is encouraging its fans to get behind Team Lloyd and make a donation.
The Bombers will take on the Kangaroos Marvel Stadium from 4:20pm on Friday.
To find out how you can support the Good Friday Appeal, click here.
