Father’s Day match raises funds and awareness at Melbourne grammar

Father’s Day (3rd of September 2023), the first edition of the fathers versus sons boarding house Australian rules football game was played on the main oval of MGS in support of the Zoe Kennedy Foundation. 

Patrick Kennedy, student and Zoe’s cousin, organised for MGS boarding to raise important funds for the Zoe Kennedy Foundation, at the same time starting asthma conversations with his schoolmates in an active setting.

The Zoe Kennedy Foundation (ZKF) was established in the wake of Zoe’s sudden passing. Zoe tragically passed away three years ago after a sudden asthma attack, aged 13. Shortly after her passing, the ZKF was established by Figurehead. The ZKF raises asthma awareness, focussing on adolescents in rural and regional centres. The foundation has grown significantly since, hosting an array of fundraising days which have included golf days as well as Australian rules football and netball tribute games in Geelong and Echuca. 

 Thus far the foundation has raised more than $300,000. These funds have been used to support a Respiratory Medicine PhD, develop new spacer technology to help destigmatise spacer use (Puff-Ah), and help promote asthma awareness in regional and rural areas. The ZKF is endorsed by Asthma Australia. Following the game on Father’s Day, there will be a sausage sizzle and an opportunity for the MGS boarding community to donate to the ZKF. - Patrick Kennedy

The MGS boarding community held a charity auction (indigenous art symbolising family and community connection, a Geelong 2022 premiership signed jumper, and a Geelong AFLW signed jumper) to further support the fundraising efforts on the day.