There’s something electric about match day at the Gabba - the roar of the crowd, the pride of the teams, and the spirit of community that fills the air. But last weekend’s Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs game was about more than just footy. It was a chance for Queenslanders to rally behind a cause that’s changing lives.
Through the 50-50 Charity Raffle, we were able to raise critical funds for Wounded Heroes Australia - and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our volunteers, fans, and partners like Defence Bank.
In this post, we’re taking you behind the scenes of that exciting weekend, sharing not just what happened, but why it matters.
A Win for Footy, A Win for Veterans
The 50-50 Charity Raffle is a unique initiative that brings together the energy of live sport with the power of giving back. On game days, fans can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win 50% of the total prize pool - with the remaining 50% going directly to charity.
This model is not only fun and engaging, it’s also deeply impactful.
For us at Wounded Heroes Australia, this means more resources to support current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who are doing it tough. Whether it’s emergency accommodation, mental health support, or simply putting food on the table, every dollar raised helps us continue delivering urgent, practical help to veterans and their families.
A Massive Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners
A campaign like this doesn’t run itself - and this weekend, we were reminded once again of the incredible power of community.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the dedicated volunteers - the quiet heroes of every fundraising effort. Rain or shine, these legends show up with enthusiasm and commitment, ready to raise funds, share our mission, and connect with supporters in the crowd. Whether they were scanning tickets, engaging fans, or simply wearing their Wounded Heroes shirt with pride - each one made a difference.
Real Impact: Where the Money Goes
While match day might only last a few hours, the impact of the funds raised lasts far longer.
Here’s a look at what the support from this raffle will help fund:
- Emergency housing and food support for veterans experiencing homelessness or crisis.
- Equine therapy programs through our Horses4Heroes initiative, which support ADF members dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Mental health and crisis response, providing immediate assistance to those who call us when they’re at breaking point.
- Family support, ensuring the partners and children of veterans aren’t left behind.
Every raffle ticket sold on the day was more than just a chance to win - it was a lifeline.
Why Events Like This Matter
In a time where charitable giving can sometimes feel like a drop in the ocean, events like the 50-50 Charity Raffle are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together.
Sport brings people together - across ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. It’s in these shared spaces that we can have conversations that matter, raise awareness for causes that often go unnoticed, and turn a fun day out into a force for good.
That’s what makes this partnership so powerful. The Brisbane Lions, the AFL, and the broader community of sponsors and supporters are helping us turn everyday moments into meaningful change.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
While we celebrate the success of this past weekend, we know the need doesn’t stop here.
If you were part of the raffle - whether as a buyer, volunteer, or partner - thank you. You’re now part of a growing movement of Australians who are refusing to let our veterans fall through the cracks.
Want to do more?
Here’s how you can continue to support Wounded Heroes Australia:
- Volunteer at one of our upcoming events or fundraising campaigns.
- Donate - one-off or regular contributions make a big difference.
- Partner with us through your business, club, or community group.
- Share our mission with your networks. Awareness is powerful.
Together, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind.
Final Thoughts
What happened at the Gabba was more than just a raffle - it was a moment where footy fans became changemakers. It was a chance to take our love for sport and channel it into support for the people who’ve served our nation.
We’re grateful to the Brisbane Lions, the Western Bulldogs, the AFL, Defence Bank, and most importantly - every volunteer and supporter who made this day possible.
As we look ahead to more matches, more raffles, and more impact, we invite you to stay connected. Follow us on socials, attend an event, or drop us a line. Let’s keep building a community that backs our veterans - on and off the field.
Because when we stand together, we can change lives.
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