Triple premiership-winning Brisbane coach Chris Fagan is continuing to give back to Queensland, with his latest gesture set to support families and individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Fagan has donated a box of his former Lions merchandise to Vinnies Queensland, helping launch the organisation's new 'Trade-On-Box' initiative.
The gesture comes as Fagan prepares to swap Brisbane's maroon for Carlton blue, having recently joined the Victorian powerhouse as its new director of coaching for 2027.
The concept was inspired by Alastair Clarkson's North Melbourne gear raising more than $8000 for Vinnies Victoria.
Clarkson dropped off his Kangaroos kit at the Hampton Vinnies store after he was sacked with one year remaining on his deal. Vinnies Victoria decided it would hold a national online auction, so bidders right across Australia could compete for a part of AFL history.
The most sought-after item was Clarkson's Indigenous guernsey with No.26 on the back. The price tag eclipsed $450.
Fagan has donated six signed items to Vinnies Queensland:
• Long- and short-sleeve polo shirts
• Training shorts
• Long-sleeve training shirts
• Quarter-zip tops
• Tracksuit tops
• Tracksuit pants and shorts
The bidding will start at 99 cents on Friday, 13 November at 9 am and will run for a week (Friday, November 20).
“In the last 12 months, we've received around 400 calls for help every day. The funds
raised from selling donations at our Vinnies Shop ensure we can be there for our
communities in their times of need,” Vinnies QLD Head of Retail Drew Eide said.
“With the need growing along with rising costs of housing and living in Queensland, we need to be creative on how we can respond to increasing demand.
“We know our Queensland teams are very community-minded and this is one way to
turn unneeded gear into direct support for locals doing it tough.”
Funds raised will help Vinnies support Queensland families and individuals in need and
help navigate the mounting financial pressures and feelings of isolation that many
experience during the Christmas period.
