Long-standing Redkite supporters, the Sydney Swans, have raised more than $29,000 at their annual Red Day, which was held on Sunday 25 July during their Round 19 clash against Fremantle.

The Swans have been passionate supporters of Redkite for 21 years, and this year’s Red Day saw a record amount of funds donated to support children and their families facing childhood cancer.

The hugely popular Red Day is usually celebrated at a Swans home game, with Redkite families attending, but this year things were different due to the COVID lockdown. In difficult circumstances, the Swans wanted to continue to celebrate Red Day and support Redkite families, so they created a virtual wall of kites so the footy community could buy a kite to raise funds for Redkite.

Qatar Airways kick-started the fundraising with a $5,000 donation of 500 kites for the wall of support and the Sydney Swans Playing Group also generously donated $5,000 in support of children with cancer.

Redkite’s General Manager Fundraising Tatiana Isaacs thanked the Sydney Swans for their ongoing support.

“As we celebrate 21 years of partnership with the Sydney Swans, I would like to thank the incredible team, their partners and their fans for their generosity over the years.

“The Red Day record is an amazing achievement in such a challenging time. The funds raised will have a significant impact on the families we work with, providing vital mental health, financial and practical support as they face their cancer journey, which is tougher than ever during this pandemic.”

Since 2001, Sydney Swans players have supported families dealing with childhood cancer by participating in family days, visits to oncology wards and other Redkite events.