A staggering $1.25 million was raised for Gotcha4Life on the eve of NRL Magic Round Brisbane, as a result of the Magic 4 Mental Fitness Fundraising Breakfast.
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM lauded the efforts of Gotcha4Life Founder Gus Worland, the NRL Clubs, Channel Nine and Shaw and Partners Financial Services.
All 17 NRL Clubs donated $30,000, with Shaw and Partners matching the fundraising dollar for dollar. The final figure for the event was $1.25 million to raise awareness for mental health. Mr V’landys also acknowledged partners including Telstra, Westpac, Harvey Norman and Chemist Warehouse for their support.
“If our donations save the life of someone’s son, daughter, mother, father, relative or friend it’s worth every cent,” Mr V’landys said.
“It’s times like these that makes me proud to be in the greatest game for all.
“My deepest appreciation to the clubs, sponsors and Shaw and Partners for their generosity. I was moved by many of the stories and how we came together to save lives.”
Mr Worland said: “To be in the room, I’ve never been so nervous. I looked around the room, and there was Wally Lewis, Wayne Pearce, Peter V’landys. They’re people I love and respect, and they were there to help. To see it all come together, we now have an extraordinary amount of money which we can help to build mental fitness with.
I would say this is the single greatest day in Gotcha4Life’s history.
Gotcha4Life Founder Gus Worland
“This gives us an opportunity to make a real difference, getting to more people, spreading the word, building mental fitness.”
Shaw and Partners Co-CEO Earl Evans added: “The collaboration between the NRL, Shaw and Partners and Gotcha4Life has been incredible.
“This is about educating people, empowering people to speak out without feeling embarrassed about it. That to us is really meaningful.
“This is money going towards good people doing good things for the community – giving people the tools to overcome the challenges we can face in life.”
