Melbourne Storm is proud to celebrate 10 years of partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, with the Club’s Round 13 game against the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park set to shine brighter than ever in support of seriously ill children and their families.
The Round 13 game will once again raise vital funds and awareness for Starlight, with the Club setting an ambitious fundraising target of $100,000, as it continues its long-standing commitment to bringing happiness to children facing serious illness.
Themed ‘Shining Brighter Together’, the evening will feature a host of family-friendly activations across AAMI Park, including for the first time a live ‘Storm A Thon’, with fans encouraged to donate digitally in the lead-up and throughout gameday.
Fans who donate through the live ‘Storm A Thon’ will go into the draw to win a range of prizes, including a signed Melbourne Storm jersey, a 2027 Melbourne Storm membership, a copy of Rugby League 26 video game, plus the chance to feature on the big screen during the match.
‘Storm-A-Thon’ will take centre stage in the pre-game entertainment, featuring a live fundraising tally, crosses to stadium MCs, fundraising updates, giveaways and more.
Starlight families will enjoy a range of unforgettable experiences on the night, including taking part in the coin toss, ball delivery, guard of honour, sideline viewing, and the opportunity to run out alongside Storm players as junior mascots.
Fans are encouraged to get behind the cause by donating, taking part in gameday fundraising activities, or adding a contribution to Starlight when purchasing tickets. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the venue collecting donations and selling the much-loved Starlight wands.
Storm’s commercial partners, led by Major Partner RedZed, will play a significant role in supporting the cause, with a range of fundraising initiatives and donations set to boost Starlight Round.
Solar Battery Group will donate $25,000 to power the 'Starlight Under the Stars' pre-game show, with supporters set to light up the stadium in a spectacular gameday moment.
Grill'd will contribute through its ‘Local Matters’ program, with fans encouraged to visit a Melbourne CBD restaurant throughout May to support Starlight.
Budget Direct will also donate to Starlight through its Footy Charity Championship, which has been contested alongside fellow Budget Direct sponsored clubs the Dolphins and Rabbitohs.
In the lead up to Starlight Round, Storm players will continue to spend time visiting children in the Starlight Express Room at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Monash Children’s Hospital, while Starlight families will enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at Storm’s captain’s run training session.
Storm players are also donating personal match worn items for an online auction, with all proceeds supporting Starlight.
Items on offer include Jahrome Hughes’ signed headgear, plus signed and match worn boots from Josh King, Sua Fa’alogo and Ativalu Lisati. The auction will launch across Storm’s social media in the lead-up to Starlight Round.
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the Club was proud to mark a decade of partnership with Starlight.
“It’s incredibly special for Melbourne Storm to celebrate ten years of our partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation. It’s a cause extremely close to our heart and something we take great pride in as a Club,” Rodski said.
“To have the opportunity to bring some joy and laughter to these kids and families is something we’ll never take for granted.
“The impact Starlight has on so many families is truly inspiring, and we’re proud to use our platform to help raise vital funds and awareness so that their incredible work can continue.”
In 2025, the Storm community rallied together to raise $83,516 for Starlight.
Let’s go even bigger in 2026. Click here to donate.
