Domestic violence awareness campaign from a 9-year-old Cats fan

Alessio is an amazing nine-year-old from Geelong, who loves the Geelong Cats. When Alessio saw Geelong player Jimmy Bartell growing his beard to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence charities, Alessio decided to follow in Jimmy’s footsteps. Unfortunately growing a beard was too difficult at Alessio’s age, so he decided to grow his hair out instead. 

Share an emotive story
Alessio worked with his mother to create his mycause campaign, explaining that he would be growing out his hair to raise awareness of domestic violence, just like his hero Jimmy Bartell. 

“[Alessio] openly tells people that he’s growing his hair like Jimmy, to raise awareness on domestic violence,” notes Alessio’s mother Stella on the mycause campaign. 

“This beautiful, loving little boy has decided Monday 3rd October will be the day he cuts it, of course like Jimmy Bartel it has to be after the AFL grand final.” 

By providing these details into what Alessio wants to do and why, Alessio gives potential donors the opportunity to understand his motivation behind raising these funds. This also helps Alessio’s donors form an emotional connection with this incredible little boy and want to support his cause. 

Clearly explain how the funds will be used
Alessio chose to raise funds for Bethany Community Support, an organisation which supports people in domestic violence situations. mycause collected the donations from Alessio and his contacts each month, then passed these donations through to BCS. 

It is important to note that Alessio and his mother also include a clear call to action in their campaign, encouraging their friends, family and community members to show their support. 

“With one month to go, we decided we should raise some money for Bethany, an independent, voluntary organisation who help and assist people in need who are victims of domestic violence. $500 is the aim and we would love your support!”

Keep donors and followers in the loop
The campaign was regularly updated to let donors know what Alessio was up to and to thank them for their generosity. Alessio’s last post was particularly heartwarming, with Jimmy Bartel himself thanking Alessio personally for his support. 

“Today Jimmy Bartel surprised me at my school and it was awesome. It was so happy and excited that he was impressed with my fundraiser. Thank you for your donations and for sharing my fundraiser."

Thanks to Alessio’s dedication, hard work and determination to raise awareness, Alessio was able to raise over $3800 for his cause!