A Community of Saints 2018 Community Perspective 2018 | Page 21

SEDA Sacred Heart Mission
The SEDA Saints program is a great initiative where St Kilda assists students’
career development by providing opportunities to work in the AFL industry.
Students assist the Saints with community football events, school programs and
clinics to transition them into the workforce. The Saints now have over five ex-
students working full-time at the football club. Each year, Sacred Heart Mission helps hundreds of people who are experiencing
homelessness or living in poverty to find shelter, food, care and support.
SEDA/Saints/AFL NZ Major Project
In 2018, SEDA Diploma Group organised a trip, in conjunction with AFL New
Zealand, and supported by the Saints, to deliver school football clinics in
Auckland. Students were able to successfully raise funds for the trip and promote
the game in a foreign market, while also establishing key networks at the Saints
and AFL New Zealand.
INITIATIVES
+ + 15 Sacred Heart Mission clients participated in SaintsActive (a six-week
fitness program), encouraging clients to get fit and healthy and to socialise.
+ + 50-100 clients attended every home game for free throughout the season
through the club’s Saints Junction Ticketing Program.
+ + Players and key staff supported the Dine With Heart and Give a Frock
Campaigns, raising much-needed funds for the Mission.
It makes you realise how much we take for granted. We’ve got
a warm bed to go home to and a fridge full of food, so it gives
you a bit of perspective to think about people that have to go
without that.”
JARRYN GEARY
Captain, St Kilda Football Club
21