About the Men of League Foundation
Teamwork and mateship have been the cornerstones of rugby league since its inception. The Men of League Foundation grew from the realisation that these qualities could be harnessed to serve those who needed help the most.In 2002 Ron Coote, Jim Hall and Max Brown identified there was a pressing need to establish a network that accessed the tight-knit rugby league community’s desire to help its own. And so the Men of League Foundation was established.
Whether you are an ex-player, an administrator, referee, or club volunteer; whether you are a man, woman or child, Men of League Foundation protects and enhances lives while respecting each individual’s dignity.
The vision was to build a foundation that provided practical assistance and social support, and this vision has been realised.
The Foundation provides assistance with everything from surgery, rehabilitation, equipment and specialist care to wellbeing visits to homes and hospitals to address social isolation and promote mental health.The Foundation has grown to be the charity of rugby league. Its mission remains to provide a wide range of wellbeing support and referrals in a professional and timely manner to those within the rugby league community who are in genuine need and are unable to overcome that need within their own resources.
It boasts a robust membership and a national network of committees that are the engine room of the Foundation. The volunteer network is supported by a professional, dedicated state teams.
Why donate?
The siren sounded in the 1971 grand final and Graeme Langlands sank to his knees, defeated but not beaten.
Spotting him on the ground Ron Coote, now the Men of League Foundation Honorary President, walked toward him, offered his hand and pulled him up.
In essence, it says everything the Foundation is now about.
We help each other up.
When Paula Gowland, a long-time volunteer for the Kawana Dolphins, fell while hanging curtains she broke her leg in four places. Paula eventually required an amputation after complications.
Unable to cover the hefty hospital bills, the Men of League Foundation stepped in.
“The Men of League Foundation has enabled me to focus on my rehab and not worry about the enormous medical fees,” Paula said.
When Harry Bowes, a 16-year-old junior footballer suffering leukaemia and a spinal tumour, needed a lift in spirits the Men of League Foundation organised for Harry to have the ultimate rugby league experience.
Last year Harry went into camp with the Queensland Maroons before Origin II.
The Men of League Foundation is committed to helping men, women and children in necessitous circumstances who are part of our family.
If you have coached or played rugby league, refereed, administered or volunteered for rugby league clubs across the country, we are there for you.
To raise funds for people like Paula and Harry, whose needs are often very different, the Men of League Foundation relies on the support of the entire community.
Donations can be made in a variety of ways such as:
- a one-off gift
- community fundraising in which the Foundation is the beneficiary of an event organised by others
- organising individual cause events under the guidance and administration of the Foundation which raise funds for an individual beneficiary for their sole use
- becoming a corporate sponsor
- a bequest.