By Danielle Kutchel
The Fountain Gate Junior Football Club community has rallied to support a new recruit facing tragic circumstances.
On Friday 7 June, the club hosted its annual Ross Weeding Cup and donated all funds raised on the night to under-13s player Coren Giliam and his sister Taylenn, who lost their mum, Susan, in January.
Approximately 230 people took the time to come down to Max Pawsey Reserve on the night, with rival football clubs, interleague football coaches, school friends, and people who have no connection to the club stopping by to donate and help out.
The club hosted raffles, sold auction items, canteen food and alcohol over the bar, and took donations throughout the evening.
Club president Andrew Johnston raised $1,000 alone after shaving his questionable mohawk. Zagames Berwick also donated $1,000 to the cause, and local AFL footballer Toby Mclean donated his very own game jumper signed by the entire Western Bulldogs FC.
Mr Johnston said the community has done everything they can to help the family through their time of grief.
“It was a night of teamwork and love that dictated such a positive end result,” he said.
The under 13s team trumped the Parents and Coaches on the night in a match that was blanketed in winter fog.
There was not a dry eye to be seen in the club rooms as funds raised totalled above $7,000.
“It has blown our minds, the extreme levels of community spirit that were felt across the rooms as we paid tribute to an incredible woman,” Mr Johnston said.
“Many hands made lights beam on the night.
“It was an incredible night that showed AFL is so much more than footy. It’s family,” Mr Johnston said.
The club has set up an account to support the family and is accepting donations from the wider community. Anyone who wishes to donate should contact the Fountain Gate Junior Football Club.
