In a powerful show of generosity and global solidarity, NRL sensation Reece Walsh has taken a major step off the field and into the world of humanitarian aid. The Reece Walsh Foundation has officially announced a landmark partnership with international charity Save the Children, pledging an impressive $750,000 to support initiatives aimed at fighting global hunger and providing critical shelter relief to children and families in crisis-stricken regions around the world.
The announcement came during a heartfelt press conference in Brisbane on Thursday, where the 21-year-old Queensland and Brisbane Broncos star was joined by Save the Children Australia CEO Mat Tinkler and several youth ambassadors. The commitment marks the Foundation’s largest charitable contribution to date and is already being hailed as one of the most impactful collaborations between a sports figure and a global nonprofit in recent years.
“This isn’t about football. This is about giving back to the world that’s given me so much,” said Walsh, visibly emotional during his address. “There are kids out there who don’t have food, clean water, or a place to sleep tonight. I’ve got a platform, and I want to use it to make real change.”
A Rising Star, A Growing Legacy
Reece Walsh has quickly risen to fame as one of the NRL’s brightest young talents, known for his electric speed, tactical brilliance, and fierce passion on the field. But off the field, Walsh is building a legacy rooted in compassion and community.
Launched in late 2023, the Reece Walsh Foundation was born out of Walsh’s desire to address issues affecting vulnerable youth, particularly Indigenous communities in Australia. With a focus on mental health, education, and equality, the Foundation has already funded several local programs and mentorship initiatives, including the “Play for Purpose” workshops held in regional Queensland schools.
But the partnership with Save the Children signals a new chapter for the Foundation—one with a truly global reach.
The $750,000 Commitment
According to the joint statement released by both organizations, the $750,000 donation will be distributed over a 24-month period and directed toward three key initiatives:
- Emergency Hunger Relief: Supplying food packages and nutrition programs to children affected by conflict and climate disasters in regions like the Horn of Africa, Yemen, and parts of Southeast Asia.
- Shelter and Safety: Building and supporting temporary shelters and safe zones for displaced families, particularly in areas recovering from natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and typhoons.
- Community Resilience Programs: Supporting long-term recovery through local education, training, and resource development, helping communities build sustainable futures after crisis.
Mat Tinkler praised the donation, saying, “This funding will allow us to scale up our operations in some of the hardest-hit areas of the world. Reece’s generosity is more than financial—it’s a message of hope, especially coming from someone who so many young people look up to.”
A Personal Mission
Walsh’s motivation for the partnership comes from more than just a desire to do good—it’s personal. In his speech, he spoke candidly about his own upbringing, growing up in Nerang on the Gold Coast, and the role his Indigenous heritage plays in shaping his values.
“I know what it’s like to feel like you’re up against the world. I’ve had people believe in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. That’s what I want to give back—belief, dignity, and hope,” he said.
Walsh also revealed that he plans to visit several of the program sites supported by the Foundation in 2025, saying he wants to meet the communities impacted firsthand and raise further awareness through his social media and NRL platform.
An Outpouring of Support
Since the announcement, the reaction from fans, fellow athletes, and the broader NRL community has been overwhelmingly positive. Broncos coach Kevin Walters called Walsh “an inspiration on and off the field,” while rugby legend Johnathan Thurston tweeted, “Proud of this young man. True leadership.”
The Foundation has also seen a surge in donations and volunteer sign-ups since the announcement, with many supporters eager to get involved or contribute.
Looking Forward
With this landmark initiative, Reece Walsh joins the growing ranks of athletes using their influence to drive global change. His Foundation’s ambitious step into international aid underscores the power of sports as a force for good—and reminds the world that heroes don’t just wear jerseys, they wear their hearts on their sleeves.