Canberra, ACT – In a heartwarming gesture of community support, Canberra Raiders’ NRL star Joe Tapine has officially launched the Raiders Tapine Foundation, a new initiative aimed at helping children in need across the ACT region. As part of its debut this week, the foundation announced a significant donation of $18,000 in scholarships and distributed hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to local children and families doing it tough.
The announcement was made during a special community event in Canberra attended by young students, educators, Raiders club officials, and local government representatives. Tapine, widely known for his commitment to youth and Indigenous community outreach, spoke passionately about the need for greater support systems for underprivileged children in the area.
The $18,000 in scholarships will be distributed among selected students from across Canberra who demonstrate potential in both academics and community involvement but face financial hardship. The funds are intended to support costs such as school fees, uniforms, tutoring, extracurricular activities, and access to learning technology.
Educators from participating schools have welcomed the initiative as a “game changer,” noting that many families struggle with the rising cost of education.
Tapine emphasized that the scholarship selection process will prioritize inclusivity, with attention given to Indigenous students, refugees, and children from single-parent or low-income households.
In addition to the scholarship program, the Raiders Tapine Foundation delivered hundreds of fully stocked backpacks to children from low-income families. Each backpack included notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, water bottles, lunch boxes, and hygiene kits — all curated based on consultations with teachers and parents.
The backpack drop was met with smiles and gratitude from children and their families, many of whom struggle to afford basic school supplies.
Tapine personally handed out several of the backpacks, taking time to talk with each child and pose for photos. His presence brought excitement to the event, as children got the chance to meet one of their sporting heroes up close.
The Canberra Raiders Football Club has thrown its full support behind the Tapine Foundation, with club CEO Don Furner calling the initiative a reflection of what the Raiders stand for — community, respect, and making a difference.
The Raiders have long been involved in community engagement programs, particularly around mental health, youth leadership, and Indigenous inclusion. The Tapine Foundation adds a new layer of focused outreach, spearheaded by one of the club’s most respected players.
While this week’s launch marks a strong start, Tapine insists the foundation is only getting started. His vision includes expanding scholarship opportunities, offering mentorship programs, and running school holiday workshops in partnership with local educators and sports mentors.
Tapine’s wife, Kirsten Tapine, is also closely involved in the foundation’s operations and helped organize the launch event. Together, the Tapines hope to inspire other athletes and public figures to use their platforms for community good.
In a time when many families are feeling the pressures of rising living costs and uncertain futures, the Raiders Tapine Foundation is providing more than just material support — it’s delivering hope.