MAD Foundation
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The MAD (Make a Difference) Foundation is an Australian health charity organisation based in Melbourne, Australia. Established in 2001,[1] its mission is to fund medical equipment and treatments for young people with disability facing financial hardship, that would otherwise be unavailable for reasons of cost or ineligibility for Government assistance.[2] MAD raises funds through general donations, partnerships, special events and promotions by ambassadors in the media.
Activities and partnerships
[edit]MAD provides assistance through the purchase of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, therapeutic beds, and communication devices. Over the years, the Foundation states it has supported "more than 400 families"[2], primarily across Victoria.
The Foundation's partnerships include corporate and community organizations such as Cisco, Four Pillars Gin, Morgans, The Knight, and Bendigo Bank. The Morgans Foundation, a major philanthropic arm of Morgans Financial Limited, has supported MAD since 2018 and became a 'Platinum Sponsor' in 2021.[3] MAD was also acknowledged in East Malvern Community Financial Services’ 2024 "Offer Information Statement" for its community engagement and impact.[4] The Ashburton Community Bank (a franchise of Bendigo Bank) has also featured MAD in its social media channels to highlight local charitable partnerships.[5]
In 2019, the MAD Foundation won Cisco's "Chuck's Challenge" and received a $25,000 grant in recognition of its impact.[6] The Foundation has also been supported by ambassadors from the Australian Football League (AFL), including Michael Hurley and Tom Lynch, who have helped raise awareness and funds through public events and media appearances.
Media
[edit]MAD has ambassadors seen often in the Australian sports and media, including AFL players.
- Richmond player Tom Lynch has participated in several Foundation events, including football[7] and T20 cricket days[8] and annual morning teas. In 2025, MAD ambassador Tom Lynch discussed his long-term involvement with the Foundation during an interview on a Channel 7 football show Sunday Footy Feast "...a lot of the time, when a family has no other support - like when the NDIS doesn't cover it - [the Foundation] provides services and equipment".[9]
- Essendon footballer Michael Hurley shaved previously his beard in 2016 to raise funds in support of one of the charity's beneficiaries.[10][11]
- Carlton Football Club also donated money to MAD through its AFL Players Care initiative with $5,000 in 2016.[12] Essendon Football Club has also featured the Foundation on multiple occasions.[13][14]
External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Mad Foundation Inc". Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
- ^ a b "About Us". MAD Foundation. 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Morgans Foundation | Morgans". morgans.com.au.
- ^ Offer Information Statement. East Malvern Community Financial Services. October 7, 2024.
- ^ Ashburton Community Bank post. Instagram.
- ^ Making a Difference Down Under with Chuck’s Challenge. We Are Cisco. April 17, 2019.
- ^ "MAD Foundation Lunch | De La Salle Football Club". De La Salle Football Club. 16 August 2024.
- ^ "Instagram (@mad_foundation)". www.instagram.com. 4 February 2025.
- ^ "Lynch on Sunday Footy Feast". Richmond Football Club. 7 April 2025.
- ^ Waterworth, Ben (29 November 2016). "Michael Hurley to shave off 'putrid' beard for Rhy Johnson and MAD Foundation". FOX Sports.
- ^ Thompson, Matt (4 December 2016). "Hurley to shave off epic beard for special cause". AFL.com.au.
- ^ Blues’ Donation Brightens Spirits. Carlton Football Club. June 20, 2016.
- ^ Hurley’s Special Gift. Essendon Football Club. May 23, 2019.
- ^ Raise for Rye. Essendon Football Club. December 1, 2016.