ALLBIDS Blog

Specially Made Canberra Raiders Jerseys Auctioned for Autism Awareness

Wednesday, 29 August 2018 | Mike Leano

The Canberra Raiders are again promoting awareness for autism wellbeing. As before, the ACT-based rugby club recently raised funds for the Ricky Stuart Foundation by wearing special jerseys, which ALLBIDS auctioned off after the 19 August match.

Proceeds of the auction will go towards the care of autistic people.

During last year's game day promotion and fundraising push, the Raiders defeated the Sydney Roosters 24-16 and raised more than $41,000.

As icing on the cake, the Raiders have won again this year, defeating the Roosters 14-12 at the GIO Stadium.

It was defence that won most of the game as the Raiders held the Roosters scoreless in the entire first half. In the second half, the home team regained the lead for good with halfback Sam Williams' penalty goals.

Searching for more wins

The Raiders have struggled heading into the 19 August match. They kicked off the season with four straight losses and had a record of 8-13. This shocking upset over the Roosters - one of the top-seeded National Rugby League teams this year - gives the Raiders a much-needed morale boost.

The Raiders are also hoping to raise more money for the Ricky Stuart Foundation this year. The non-profit was established in 2011 by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart to promote awareness for autism.

Since the team's apparel partner ISC is pledging to donate 10% of the wholesale price on retail-produced jerseys, the likelihood of beating last year's total money raised is pretty high.

Inspiring designs

This year's #AutismWellbeing jersey featured designs from Kayla Marlow and Neve Smith, two talented 10-year old girls who entered an online competition during the pre-season.

Kayla's design, which was featured on the front of the jersey, shows community members working together to build a puzzle. This is said to represent the community fostering acceptance and understanding of autism through a group effort.

Neve's design portrays the community as stick figures, highlighting our similarities instead of our differences.

For the past three years (but not including the 19 Aug match), the Raiders have raised a total of over $80,000 for Mr Stuart's non-profit.

Make a tangible difference

If you wish to back the Raiders' further fundraising efforts, make sure you also use the #AutismWellbeing hashtag on social media and talk about why you're supporting the program. The aim here is to use the hashtag to drive further awareness about autism.

Bidding enters you into a draw to win a Canberra Raiders Lucky Loser prize pack, which comes with tickets for two to the 2018 Meninga Medal gala on Tuesday, 11 September.

Your contributions will make a difference in tangible ways.

For more information on the Lucky Loser prize pack, check out its entry conditions.