Tigers give battlers a real kick along (Herald-Sun)

[one-eyed]

I couldn't find this on the web so I typed it out....


Tigers give battlers a real kick along
Herald-Sun | Thurs 09 APR 2009, Page 21

RICHMOND star Matthew Richardson is kicking goals off the field at a revamped centre for the homeless and disadvantaged.

Richo and teammates Joel Bowden, Kane Johnson, Troy Simmonds and Adam Pattison are regular volunteers at St Mary's House of Welcome, Fitzroy, serving meals to clients and just having a chat.

Yesterday, they were on hand as Premier John Brumby launched a $5 million renovation of the premises.

Richardson, 34, can't wait to work in the new state of the art kitchen, which he admitted put his Punt Rd training quarters to shame.

"You just realise how lucky you are in your own life, and it's good to be able to help people out who are in a less fortunate position,'' he said.

The transformation has left clients gobsmacked.

The new features read like a real estate brochure: mural-edged courtyard, pool room, spacious modern kitchen, large multi-purpose areas, computer rooms, training kitchen and a health clinic.

Former client and volunteer Kenny McCracken, 57, and his wife, Pat, 50, think the transformation is amazing.

"(And) they are fantastic,'' Mr McCracken said of the Richmond players.

Run by the Daughters of Charity, St Mary's serves 4000 meals a month to the homeless, disadvantaged and mentally ill. It's expected that number will rise as the economic crisis worsens.

The renovation is paid for but donations are needed for maintenance, which is expected to be high.

Net link: www.smhow.org.au

[Go Richo 12]

Good on ya Richo and other boys I work with homeless youths and i see everyday the stereotypes that we put on them. They need all the help they can get as they are often the forgotten people in society! Totally awesome guys

[Francois Jackson]

i wouldn't expect anything different from my man Richo.

hopefully some of you take note of what he does off field and one must wonder how he never got the captaincy gig

[Infamy]

i wouldn't expect anything different from my man Richo.

hopefully some of you take note of what he does off field and one must wonder how he never got the captaincy gig

Every player in the AFL does this stuff, it's part of their role in the community

[Smokey]

i wouldn't expect anything different from my man Richo.

hopefully some of you take note of what he does off field and one must wonder how he never got the captaincy gig

Pretty simple - when Richo was young enough to be considered for the captaincy role his on-field demeanor and leadership was terrible.  He has only turned that around in Wallace's era and by the time it became obvious he had matured he was too old.

[Beren]

Every player in the AFL does this stuff, it's part of their role in the community

Some better than others.

Perhaps North should help out at a women's refuge?

[Infamy]

Every player in the AFL does this stuff, it's part of their role in the community

Some better than others.

Perhaps North should help out at a women's refuge?

Certainly not downplaying what he's done, just hardly see it as a reason to give someone the captaincy

[Go Richo 12]

Every player in the AFL does this stuff, it's part of their role in the community

Some better than others.

Perhaps North should help out at a women's refuge?

Certainly not downplaying what he's done, just hardly see it as a reason to give someone the captaincy

Id still turn for the big fella