In a stunning and heartfelt act of generosity, legendary former Collingwood Football Club head coach Mick Malthouse has announced he is donating his entire $180 million bonus and sponsorship windfall to charities supporting homelessness, struggling families, and veterans in need across Australia.
The announcement was made at a surprise press conference held outside a Melbourne crisis accommodation centre earlier today, where Malthouse, now 71, shared his deeply personal motivation behind the massive donation.
“There are millions of people struggling every day,” Malthouse said emotionally. “Families without homes, kids without food, veterans without support. This is to remind them — and us — that they’re not forgotten. I’ve had a fortunate life in footy and beyond. It’s time to give that back in a way that truly matters.”
The $180 million reportedly stems from a combination of long-standing sponsorship royalties, post-career ambassador deals, and accumulated bonuses from years in AFL coaching, commentary, and brand partnerships.
Charities to Receive Funds
Malthouse confirmed the funds would be distributed among over 50 registered charities including:
- The Salvation Army
- Launch Housing
- St Vincent de Paul Society
- RSL LifeCare Veteran Services
- Foodbank Australia
- The Lighthouse Foundation
A new foundation, The Malthouse Hope Initiative, is also being established to oversee the long-term distribution of funds and support grassroots organisations fighting homelessness and poverty in regional and urban areas.
AFL Community Reacts
Tributes and reactions flooded in from across the AFL world, with current and former players praising Malthouse’s leadership off the field.
“Unbelievable generosity from a legend of the game,” said former Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley. “He always taught us about responsibility and legacy — this proves he lives by those words.”
“This kind of action changes lives,” added AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. “It sets an example not just for the sports world, but for the nation.”
Malthouse closed the press conference with a message of unity:
“Sport can bring us together — but compassion keeps us together. Let’s make that our legacy.”
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