The Western Australian Cricket Foundation (WACF) hosted a morning tea event at the WACA Ground last month, welcoming more than 80 guests to share what the future holds for its growing and successful programs.
The special event was led by WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, who showcased how the Foundation’s programs are helping to connect our community and provide opportunities to individuals, no matter their ability, background or gender.
Christina, along with WACF Board Member Meredith McClements, proudly launched the inaugural Player Ambassadors and Giving Circles.
Christina identified players who embody the Foundation in its goal to enrich, support and inspire the community. These players will act as ambassadors in several categories; Young women in Cricket (Chloe Piparo and Sophie Devine), Aboriginal Cricket (D’Arcy Short), People with a Disability (Matt Kelly), Pride (Mathilda Carmichael and Andrew Tye) and all-rounder Foundation ambassadors (Mitch Marsh, Ashton Turner, Lisa Griffith and Alana King).
Meredith explained that Giving Circles give donors the chance to engage further with the important work the Foundation achieves, gaining access to events to witness the impact of the programs firsthand.
“Essentially, Giving Circles are participatory philanthropy – they invite donors to come together to support a specific cause. In our case, these are the pillars of the Foundation – Aboriginal cricketers, people with a Disability and Young Women in cricket,” she said.
“Through these Giving Circles – we will pool our resources – amplifying our individual donation power. It means your generous gifts to the Foundation will come together, creating a stronger community impact.”
Meredith also took the opportunity to recognise and thank those Donors already contributing to specific programs, with their generosity making them automatic inaugural members of the Giving Circles.
Cricket legend Michael Hussey led a panel with participants of the Foundations programs, each sharing inspiring stories of how the diversity and inclusion programs have supported them both on and off the cricket pitch.
Sarah Stramsek shared her experience participating in the Foundation’s Emerging Leadership Program, a leadership program where young women come together to share their love of cricket and develop their leadership skills.
Sarah revealed she thrived in an environment where so many girls like her talk and understand cricket.
“I’m proud to have participated in a program that plays a part in growing the sport. This program plays such a big part in making sure cricket grows and women and girls are included in this growth,” she said.
Destiny Mippy, the youngest player ever selected in our female team for the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, spoke about her selection and how it’s enabled her to grow as a cricketer and young woman, bringing her out of her shell and comfort zone.
Ryan Honschooten, who played for the Australia Blind team at this year’s Commonwealth Bank International Cricket Inclusion Series in Brisbane, captured the audience with his moving story of how cricket has helped shape him into the person he is today.
Ryan spoke of the camaraderie and strong bond they have and how he loves mentoring other players on their cricket journey.
Ryan even included a funny story about a younger player calling him to ask what pants he had to wear for a game, demonstrating his love for his team and the benefits it brings.
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