Many a KISS fan would know the iconic rock band recently visited Australia, playing an electrifying pre-game performance at the AFL Grand Final.
 
What many may not know is, national charity Wounded Heroes Australia (founded by the late Jim Shapcott in Ipswich during 2007) was chosen as a charity beneficiary alongside Legacy Australia for the bands last ever Australian performance at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday, 7 October.
 
Early in September, KISS announced their final concert would be in support of Aussie veterans. The band has been incredibly supportive of veterans throughout the years and their final Australian performance further demonstrated their commitment and generosity, giving 5000 concert tickets to Australian veterans, and $10 from every concert ticket sold donated to help provide essential care and support to veteran families. 
 
Wounded Heroes Australia President – Martin Shaw states “When we received the news of KISS’s support, we were ecstatic! To have our charity chosen alongside Legacy as a beneficiary was amazing. We’re incredibly honoured.”
 
While discussing their final performance in a recent TV interview on Sunrise, KISS frontman - Paul Stanley stated “it seems that the people who give the most, get back the least. It’s incredible that you have people protecting your freedoms and volunteering to do so, and when they come home, they have to jump through hoops to get what really is rightfully theirs. For us it’s a matter of pointing fingers and going, these are the people who make freedom possible. Freedom is only free for the people who don’t have to sacrifice for it, so for us it’s a great way to perhaps give back something and say another thank you to the people who make this possible”.
 
“Paul’s sentiment hits home and is at the heart of everything we do. KISS’s generosity will help us provide critical support to veteran families Australia-wide. We can’t thank KISS enough for shining a light on the cause.” states Wounded Heroes Australia President - Mr Shaw.
 
“The event was very emotional, being the band’s last Australian performance and being chosen as their beneficiary. It was an amazing feeling, knowing that our humble young charity that started in Ipswich has such amazing support and we’re now part of KISStory. Our sincerest thanks to the band, the public and our amazing volunteer army for their support”. States Mr Shaw
 
Wounded Heroes Australia relies heavily on public donations and corporate sponsorships to continue their work. Leading up to Remembrance Day and Christmas is the busiest time for crisis calls for the charity. To donate, visit the link at the top of this page.

Pictured back row: Iconic rock band KISS
Front row left to right: Wounded Heroes Patron - Lieutenant General Gregory Charles Bilton, AO, CSC, centre Legacy beneficiary Jacky Gavin pictured with her children, Wounded Heroes Australia President - Martin Shaw. Image credit: Keith Leroux