In what is already being hailed as one of the most generous acts in Australian sporting history, Collingwood Magpies superstar Nick Daicos has announced he is donating the entirety of his $109 million bonus and sponsorship earnings to charities focused on homelessness, child hunger, mental health, and veteran support.
The 22-year-old midfielder, widely regarded as the face of the AFL’s next generation, made the emotional announcement during a press conference at Collingwood’s headquarters earlier today.
“There are millions of people struggling every day — families without homes, kids without food, veterans without support,” Daicos said. “If I can be a small part of helping ease that burden, then that’s exactly what I want to do.”
An Unprecedented Gesture
The $109 million figure comes from a combination of Daicos’s recent contract bonus, long-term endorsement deals with global brands, and personal investment income. Rather than keeping any of the windfall, Daicos has pledged the full amount to a series of Australian and international charities.
Organizations set to benefit include:
-
Mission Australia (homelessness and housing)
-
The Smith Family (supporting children’s education and food security)
-
Beyond Blue (mental health)
-
RSL Australia (support for veterans)
-
And several grassroots Indigenous and youth support services.
“No amount of personal success means anything if the people around you — in your city, your country — are hurting,” Daicos added. “I’ve been lucky in life. Now it’s time to give back.”
Reactions Pour In
The announcement stunned not only the AFL community but also the broader public. Social media has exploded with praise, with fans, fellow athletes, and public figures calling the move “heroic,” “selfless,” and “an example for generations to come.”
Prime Minister [Name], in a statement from Parliament House, called Daicos’s gesture “a landmark moment for sport and social responsibility in this country.”
Teammate Scott Pendlebury posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Nick Daicos is not just a generational talent — he’s a generational human. Proud to call him a teammate.”
The Future of Philanthropy in Sport?
Daicos’s decision could reshape the conversation around wealth, influence, and responsibility in professional sports. As one of the AFL’s most marketable figures — and with a career that continues to soar — his action sets a powerful precedent for athletes worldwide.
In response to a reporter asking whether he would regret giving away such a massive sum, Daicos smiled and said:
“Not for a second. I’ll still be wearing the black and white every week, playing the game I love. But now I get to help people I’ll never even meet — and that’s the real win.”
Leave a Reply