GIANTS co-major partner Toyo Tires is giving back to the local community, launching a pair of initiatives as the GIANTS take on cross-town rivals the Swans in the Sydney Derby.
As the match day partner for Sydney Derby XIII, Toyo Tires will launch the Kick for Cash for Clubs initiative, aiming to support junior teams and develop future talent to fuel the AFL’s growth as an increasingly national sporting code.
In addition, the tyre manufacturer will donate $250 for every goal kicked to anti-domestic-violence movement White Ribbon.
The Kick for Cash for Clubs initiative will see junior AFL clubs Australia wide offered the chance to win $100,000 in cash, opportunities to train with the GIANTS as well as Sherrin, X-Blades and Hart Sports training gear.
When the GIANTS face the West Coast Eagles on August 19, the winning junior club will enter the playing field at three-quarter time, take aim at a stack of tyres and kick for $100,000 in front of a home crowd.
The program is an extension of the tyre brand’s viral Kick For Cash promotion that saw Western Sydney father Paul Waterhouse walk away with $100,000 at the Sydney Derby in 2016.
GIANTS coach Leon Cameron said the campaign would excite junior players to get involved in the game.
“The future of AFL is in our junior clubs,” Cameron said, “and Toyo’s Kick for Cash for Clubs gives local teams a shot at big money, professional training and new gear. It’s a great way for boys and girls to test their skills and learn more about the game. We are right behind Toyo on this.”
Toyo Tires Managing Director, Michael Rudd, said the campaign aimed to engage footy fans from the grassroots up.
“This campaign might help us find the next Stevie J or Heath Shaw,” he said. “It’s about giving back to the communities that live and breathe footy and the GIANTS, and creating a meaningful connection with players and fans.”
White Ribbon CEO, Libby Davies, said Toyo’s match day support of the movement was vital to the organisation’s goals.
“The backing of brands like Toyo and the GIANTS adds weight to our movement and makes a genuine difference to White Ribbon campaigns,” she said. “White Ribbon thanks Toyo for its contribution in reducing violence against women. We will be cheering loud for every goal!”
Mr Rudd noted Toyo’s support of White Ribbon as integral to the brand’s values.
“One in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence,” he said. “An average of one woman a week is killed by a current or former partner. These statistics are unacceptable in our society, or any for that matter.
“Violence against women is something that Toyo as a business is compelled to do something about,” he continued. “If our support encourages just one man to stand up, speak out and act against domestic violence, then that is a success.”
Junior club members can enter the Kick for Cash for Clubs competition from the 15th of July by entering their details at www.driventoperform.com.au.
