BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Leaders Jeff Browne and Craig Kelly Donate $12.9 Million to Build Homeless Support Centers in Melbourne
In an extraordinary act of leadership and compassion, Collingwood Football Club President Jeff Browne and Chief Executive Officer Craig Kelly have pledged their entire $12.9 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to fund the creation of homeless support centers in Melbourne, Australia. The announcement was made during an emotional press conference earlier today, drawing praise from both community leaders and AFL supporters nationwide.
The initiative will see the development of 150 housing units and 300 shelter beds designed to provide safety, dignity, and long-term support for Melbourne’s growing homeless population. Beyond housing, the centers will include access to counseling, job training, healthcare services, and pathways to reintegration into stable living.
Speaking with visible emotion, Browne and Kelly said, “We have witnessed people struggling to survive the harsh winters without a roof over their heads, and we promised ourselves that if we ever had the chance, we would step up. No one should have to sleep outside in that kind of cold.”
Melbourne has faced a rising homelessness crisis in recent years, and advocates believe this initiative could represent one of the city’s most transformative projects. Local officials praised the Collingwood leaders for setting an example that extends far beyond the football field, noting the move underscores the power of sports organizations to influence social change.
Fans across Australia have taken to social media to commend the decision, hailing Browne and Kelly not only as leaders of a proud AFL club but as champions for humanity. For many, this act of generosity represents the heart of what Collingwood stands for — resilience, unity, and community.
