The players gladly accepted the generous donation from one North’s neighbours on Arden Street, the Electrical Trades Union Victoria (ETU), before heading to Utah.
“We’re always doing various photos and appearances but this one was very different having 20 grand handed to us,” Harper joked.
“I didn’t want to give it back!
“It’s a massive contribution and I’m just happy to be here to accept the donation on behalf of The Huddle and the club.”
Through its partnership, the ETU hopes to help to improve issues surrounding youth disengagement in and around the local area.
“The union has made an initial donation of $20,000 to contribute to the continuation of its great work,” ETU State Secretary Troy Gray said.
“Here at the ETU we have a commitment to fairness and justice, not just for our members, but also for those members of the community who are suffering disadvantage and the Huddle is a first class example of putting those principles into practice.”
After touring the classroom facility and learning about its programs, ETU Assistant Secretary Wes Hayes was blown away by The Huddle and what it has achieved.
“I believe sponsorship of The Huddle provides a ready-made and very good fit with our union’s commitment to the community,” Hayes said.
“The program is well established, has won awards from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments and provides the opportunity for a productive and reciprocal relationship with the ETU.”
The ETU saw great opportunity to not only partner with the incredible work of The Huddle but to also help create new education programs.
“We’re focusing more and more on secondary schools, particularly VCAL students. We would love to develop some content with the ETU next year for these kids,” General Manager of The Huddle Dr Sonja Hood said.
“All of our local primary and secondary schools in the area attend our schools programs, and in addition, we attract schools from across the north and west of Melbourne, as well as country schools from across Victoria.”
More than 10,000 young people access one or more of The Huddle’s programs each year.
“The new partnership with the ETU will help us deliver education and sporting opportunities that we believe are second to none and we’re really looking forward to working together,” Dr Hood added.
Photo credit: Casamento Photography
