Throughout Melbourne, Helping Hoops’ mission is to use basketball to engage, inspire and empower children and young people, building self-esteem and a sense of belonging one basket at a time.
Supported by major partners Nike, the Ben Simmons Family Foundation & Pressroom Philanthropy, Helping Hoops offers three participation programs:
- BOUNCE | an all-abilities, fun-first, high-energy introduction to hoops that includes programs for children and young people with disability
- POWER | encouraging and empowering young women through hoops
- FUTURE | offering more of a challenging and targeted training program, focusing onteamwork, community, and integrity
Helping Hoops runs over 600 sessions a year throughout Melbourne, engaging with more than 1,000 children and young people, from seven-year-olds to 21 year olds.
Of course, Helping Hoops is about more than basketball; it’s about the dreams and goals of kids and young people and the role we can all play, as one team, to enhance lives and inspire bright futures, on and off the court. They are always looking for people to gets hands on deck and volunteer at any of their numerous programs. Alternatively, for those who don’t have time to get boots on the ground but still want to help this great organisation, you can always make a donation.
Game Changers fundraising lunch
Helping Hoops would like to encourage everyone to be like Helping Hoops ambassadors Chris Goulding (Melbourne United), Ezi Magbegor (Melbourne Boomers), and be part of a game changing assist, by joining Helping Hoops at the inaugural Game Changers fundraising lunch on 26th November at Half Acre in South Melbourne.
In addition to supporting this vital community program by buying a ticket, guests at the inaugural event, hosted by award winning Sports Journalist Megan Hustwaite, will hear from an all-star line-up of powerful voices – including Australian Opal and Melbourne Boomer’s very own superstar Center and Helping Hoops Ambassador Ezi Magbegor, Super Netball trailblazer Shimona Nelson, AFLW star Darcy Vescio, and Maria Dimopoulos AM, a nationally and internationally recognised expert in the intersections of diversity, gender equality and the law – about how they are driving change.
The event will also feature an auction and raffle, with items generously donated by Helping Hoops major supporters including the Ben Simmons Family Foundation, the 2021 NBL Champions, Melbourne United, and Hoop City.
Other ways to support Helping Hoops include payroll giving; sign up to give to Helping Hoops weekly, monthly, or annually, these can be very small donations but, all together, they make a big impact. Or businesses and business leaders can consider supporting by funding a program.
Event details:
- Date: Friday 26th November 2021
- Venue: Half Acre – 112 Munro Street South Melbourne
- Time: 12.30pm until 3.00pm
- MC: Megan Hustwaite
- Game Changers Panel: Featuring Ezi Magbegor, Shimona Nelson and Darcy Vescio, moderated by Maria Dimopoulos AM.
- Attire: Smart Casual
- Tickets: $250 per person
