North Melbourne Football Club has issued a 24-hour fundraising challenge to entice fans to contribute to the building of the club’s new state-of-the-art facility.
The Roos are aiming to raise $1 million commencing from midday on Thursday, August 23, through a matched-giving model that will see all donations quadrupled.
“Every dollar given will be worth four dollars within this strict timeframe, so it’s vital we take full advantage and raise as much as we can,” North managing director & CEO Carl Dilena said.
“We have some extremely generous benefactors who are willing to match these donations, but only for 24-hours.
“We’re calling on all our loyal supporters to help enshrine North Melbourne at Arden St forever by investing in the development of an elite, game-ready venue that will soon become the heart of an exciting new commercial and residential hub.”
The club is looking to add another wing to its Arden St home, to allow for the addition of its AFLW side in 2019.
“We will expand to four teams next year, so this redevelopment allows us to provide all our players with the best resources and facilities,” Dilena said.
“Other elements include improving the oval and install new lighting, coaches boxes and interchange benches so we can host games at Arden St again.”
Building has already begun to make North Melbourne a vibrant sporting, entertainment, fitness and lifestyle suburb; something the club wants to be a part of.
“We are an extremely lucky club; being one of the only ones with a prime, inner-city location,” Dilena added.
“The area is undergoing massive change over the next few years and we need to be central to that if we want to stay here long-term.”
Capitalising on the growth of the surrounding area is one thing, but keeping pace with the rest of the competition is another.
“We really need our people to get behind us and make this once in a generational opportunity a reality,” Dilena said.
“We constantly focus on retaining and attracting great talent to allow the club to be successful on field, and an updated facility is vital to this. We must do whatever is necessary to ensure it goes ahead for the future of our great club.”
The 24-hour campaign will commence midday, Thursday, August 23 until midday, Friday, August 24.
For pledges prior to the event and donations on the day, visit: charidy.com/ardenforever
The first 600 donations of more than $250 will have their names included on the official North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos AFLW guernsey in its inaugural season.
