Alex McKinnon #RISEFORALEX

Hey Guys,

We had to start this thread again (As Jekk eluded to in the announcement)

We will be posting all things Macca in here !!!

Below are the final crowd figures for Round 19 with $1 for every person who attended a game donated to the Rise For Alex fund

This plus all donations will see roughly $1.3 million donated overall !!!

#RISEFORALEX

GAMECROWDMONEY DONATED
Cronulla Sharks vs North Queensland Cowboys9,366$9,366
Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs16,125$16,125
Sydney Roosters vs Penrith Panthers13,993$13,993
Melbourne Storm vs Canberra Raiders11,479$11,479
Brisbane Broncos vs New Zealand Warriors37,082$37,082
Newcastle Knights vs Gold Coast Titans26,401$26,401
Wests Tigers vs Canterbury Bulldogs22,225$22,225
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles10,530$10,530
TOTAL147,201$147,201
 
RiseForAlex round might just be the lift that Jordan McLean needed too


  • PETER STERLING
  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • JULY 24, 2014 12:00AM

WHEN a tragic accident takes place it invariably creates a ripple effect that sees a multitude of people affected.

Last weekend we saw just how wide that response to Alex McKinnon has spread with an outpouring of support and care rarely seen in our game.

So many people who have never met the young footballer were brought to tears as much by his courage and selflessness than his actual situation.

They may have been on the periphery of those ripples but to them it hit like a torrent.

The positivity of the weekend was felt by all and I sincerely hope that Melbourne’s Jordan McLean was able to benefit from the scenes he would have seen from Friday through Monday.

I can only imagine how difficult the period would have been for him following Alex’s injury, especially after unfairly being singled out for his involvement in the fateful tackle.

A tackle that was clearly an accident without intent.

A tackle that I had seen thousands of times before and will see again with the man simply standing up to play the ball.

A tackle that is part of a sport that Alex himself regards as “safe.”

The difference with this tackle was that all the incremental moments and motions conspired to synchronise into the accident equivalent of a “perfect storm.”

After serving his suspension Jordan is back playing for the Storm in the top grade after what was somewhat a low-key return, something I’m sure he appreciated.

Writing this piece is not designed to change that in any way and draw extra attention.

However while the talented back-rower is back on the field I think it is important that the game also continues to monitor his welfare.

Although it may well be that just seeing a smile on Alex’s face along with the obvious physical improvements that he is making, would combine to give Jordan the biggest lift.

This may of course be extremely presumptuous in suggesting that he may be in need of such a boost and I certainly hope that is the case.

However it is safe to believe that the better the news that we see and hear about Alex is an inspiration to anyone involved with the game.

I also think that the try scored by Jordan McLean against Canberra last Saturday may just have been one for Alex.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...clean-needed-too/story-fni3fh9n-1226999210263
 
$1,400,000 Raised in Round 19 for the Rise For Alex fund !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well done to the entire Rugby League Communtiy and especially my fellow Knights fans who dug deep for Macca

#RISEFORALEX

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What Rugby League and the Knights have done for Alex is indescribable, honestly, this is such an amazing game on and off the field.

#riseforalex
 
Community rises for Alex

Fri 25th July, 08:48PM

The Rugby League community has risen for Knights forward Alex McKinnon, raising more than $1.4 million to date to support Alex’s on-going rehabilitation and care.

A total of 147,201 fans attended matches during round 19 of the Telstra Premiership and the NRL has donated $1 to the RiseForAlex Fund for every person through the gates.

AAMI Park and the SCG Trust also provided a $1 donation for everyone who attended their venues, taking the total amount raised from the RiseForAlex round to $172,673.

NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith said the success of the RiseForAlex round shows how united the Rugby League community was right across Australia.

“There has been support from every walk of life, both inside and outside of Rugby League,” Mr Smith said.

“We’ve had kids who have given up their pocket money, contributions from other sporting codes and the major corporates have been incredibly generous.

“On behalf of everyone in the game, I just want to pass on our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the RiseForAlex Fund.”

Fund raising efforts will continue this weekend with the Panthers, Raiders, Warriors, Bulldogs and the Titans selling RiseForAlex Wristbands at their home games.

RiseForAlex wristbands will continue to be sold through NRLShop.com for the reminder of the 2014 season.

Among the NRL’s corporate partners who have supported the Fund are:


* News Limited and Fox have presented Alex McKinnon with cheque of $300,000.

* The Daily Telegraph, in partnership with Fox Sports and Crown Resorts donated one dollar from every newspaper sold on Saturday, 19 July.

* Channel Nine’s Footy Show was broadcast from Newcastle in front of a live audience of more than 5,800 people.

* The broadcast included an in-program telethon. Channel Nine also donated $50 000 to the RiseForAlex Fund.

* Telstra has donated $20,000 and their call centre for The Footy Show telethon, providing 150 Telstra volunteers to man the phones.

* Telstra also assisted in the development of the RiseForAlex website with Ideas and provided an SMS number to take public donations.

* In addition, Telstra dedicated all virtual and LED signage during round 19 to promote the RiseForAlex SMS and website.

* More than $188,000 was raised through the Footy Show fundraising special and the Telstra call centre

* This included a $20,000 donation from Steggles Roosters Charity Nest.

* The Bulldogs major sponsor, Jaycar, donated $50,000 in addition to $10,000, previously donated to Alex earlier in the year.

* Jaycar also donated $20,000 to 15-year-old Curtis Landers who broke his neck playing rugby league in the local competition.

* The largest personal donation has been by a Newcastle gentleman Robert Blann.

* Energy retailer, Red Energy, donated $50,000 to the RiseForAlex Fund on The Footy Show.

* Radio broadcasters made significant contributions with 2GB donating $30,000 plus on-air support for the RiseForAlex Fund.

* Triple M has dedicated significant air time to the RiseForAlex round and made a $25 000 donation to the RiseForAlex Fund.

* $160,000 has been raised via the RiseForAlex website and SMS pledges promoted by Fox Sports, Channel 9, 2GB, MMM and Telstra.

* State of Origin sponsor, Holden donated a Holden Colorado, which will be raffled later this year.

* The AFL, in conjunction with its sponsor, Toyota has donated a Toyota Kluger.

* Other key donors include KFC, Aurizon, Sportsbet & Lion Nathan, all donating $20,000 each

* Carlton & United Breweries donated $10,000.

* Thanks to Sony a special song written by family friend Darryl Bowen was recorded and made available for download on iTunes Sony Music.

* Proceeds from sales of the track will be donated to the RiseForAlex Fund http://smarturl.it/AlexDayByDay

* The Wiggles made the Tigers vs. Bulldogs game a family day.

* They created a song which is now available for download on iTunes and Google Play.


http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/07/25/community_rises_for_alex.html





 
#RiseForAlex and Spinal Trust supported

Richard Becht

Sat 26th July, 12:01PM

The Vodafone Warriors will support not only the #RiseForAlex cause but also the New Zealand Spinal Trust during their 20[SUP]th[/SUP]-round NRL clash against Manly at Mount Smart Stadium tomorrow (4.00pm kick-off; match day sponsor: Suzuki).

Owners Eric Watson and Sir Owen Glenn, the board, players and club as a whole made a $20,000 donation to the #RiseForAlex Fund last week.

With the NRL’s official #RiseForAlex Round falling during their away match against Brisbane, the Vodafone Warriors have taken the opportunity to back the charity at their home game this week.

At the same time the Vodafone Warriors will support the New Zealand Spinal Trust through activities including collections at the ground and an auction launched onwww.trademe.co.nz earlier this week.

Strong bidding on the ‘Vodafone Warriors Wicked Weekend’ lot has topped $3000 so far.

The auction closes at 12.00pm on Monday, July 28, with all proceeds split between #RiseForAlex and the New Zealand Spinal Trust.

Proceeds from the collections will be shared between #RiseForAlex and NZST.

Vodafone Warriors members and fans can also buy #RiseForAlex wristbands at the stadium tomorrow.

These will be available in the D Zone.

“We’re doing all we can to support both #RiseForAlex and the Spinal Trust,” said Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah.

“We know how passionate our members and fans are and we hope they get right behind the cause tomorrow and give generously.”

New Zealand Spinal Trust chief executive Ben Lucas said the trust was grateful to the Vodafone Warriors for recognising the organisation and also the “RiseForAlex cause.

“We were saddened by the injury sustained by Alex McKinnon but we know Alex can and will be able to lead a full and satisfying life as a tetraplegic,” he said.

“Society has changed its attitude toward spinal cord injury and disability and opportunities are available today that weren’t there even 10 years ago.

“Alex can return to work, get married and do many of the things he did prior to his injury.

He is in a fortunate position to be a role model for people who have had a spinal injury and in the process, help others who are going through the same scenario of the major life-changing event that is a spinal cord injury.

“The positive attitude that Alex has showed will reflect on those closest to him and he will enable him to live his life and make the most out of his situation.”

After breaking his back at the third lumbar vertebrae in 1989, Lucas and took up wheelchair racing, winning a bronze medal the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games.

“Before my injury I could do 10,000 things.

Now I can do only 9990 of them!” he said.


http://www.warriors.co.nz/news/2014/07/26/_riseforalex_and_spinal_trust_supported.html





 
Saw a Twitpic of a few volunteers selling the wristbands at Mt Smart Stadium today. Had a close look and they still had a $2 price tag. Wonder if they were only chaging $NZ2 for them.
 
I tried to buy one on Friday night, but they are still sold out. Guess I'll have to order it online.
 
Tim Moltzen says he took inspiration from Alex McKinnon on road to recovery


  • AMY STEVENSON
  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • AUGUST 09, 2014 12:00AM

IT’S been a long time coming but Wests Tigers fullback Tim Moltzen is back playing and says he drew on inspiration from Alex McKinnon to make his return.

After rupturing his ACL in 2010 and then breaking his kneecap in the lead up to the 2014 NRL season, Moltzen made his return for the Tigers last weekend in their NSW Cup squad.

While Moltzen admits he went through some dark times after suffering back-to-back long-term injuries, he said he was inspired to return to the field after seeing how McKinnon has handled himself after breaking his neck.

“There were times I did want to throw it in because it was all too much and I probably thought it was me against the world for a little while,” Moltzen said.

“But there are worse people off and you only had to see what young Alex has gone through this year.

“He’s obviously an inspiration to a lot of people, not only footballers and I gained some inspiration seeing how he handled such a horrific injury and how he is so positive.

“I am one of the lucky ones because I’m back out on the field playing footy again.

“It definitely shed a light on things for me in terms of my injury and how it was something that I had a chance of coming back from it.

“I just had to work a little bit harder to get back but it wasn’t completely taken away from me.

“That opened my eyes and made me work that little bit harder and although I’m not 100 per cent back yet but I’m on my way to where I want to be.”


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...road-to-recovery/story-fni3gpz1-1227018358559
 
McKinnon inspires Aboriginal artist

Thu 14th August, 12:58PM

World-renowned Aboriginal artist Daren Dunn has hand painted a RiseForAlex football in his iconic Aboriginal dot painting as a gift for Alex McKinnon and the RiseForAlex Fund.

Dunn explained after seeing McKinnon’s injury and story, he has been inspired by his show of strength throughout his recovery.


“I actually want to give back to Alex... because I just want to let him know that with what he’s doing, there’s a lot of Aboriginal people who look up to him," Dunn said.


“That’s what has inspired me the most.


“I thought, I need to paint this brother a ball."


Dunn revealed the beautifully hand-painted football tells a special story.


“The artwork that’s on the ball is actually an Aboriginal men’s dance that we do in our culture when someone is sick, having trouble or dramas," he explains.


“It’s for healing in our culture and I did that design on Alex’s ball to show him that we all look up to him.


“I painted the ball because Aboriginal people look up to him too, and I’m very grateful for that."


The intricate design took more than 16 hours to complete.



http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/news/2014/08/14/mckinnon_inspires_aboriginal_artist.html




 
Introducing Club 232 — where $2.32 per week will go towards Alex McKinnon’s rehab costs


  • BARRY TOOHEY
  • THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 12:00AM

IT’S less than half the cost of a cup of coffee a week.

But it could make a world of difference to courageous league star Alex McKinnon in his battle to walk again following the devastating spinal injury he suffered in March playing for the Newcastle Knights.

In excess of $1.4 million was raised during the RiseForAlex round earlier in the season but a new initiative is poised to take fundraising efforts to a whole new level.

The Alex McKinnon Foundation in conjunction with the Knights is about to launch the Alex McKinnon 232 Club in a bid to provide ongoing and sustainable support for McKinnon, who is planning to soon travel to the USA for continued specialist treatment for his injuries.

The brainchild of former Knights recruitment boss Peter Mulholland, the Club will give the general public the opportunity to financially help support McKinnon by committing $2.32 a week via direct debit into a special McKinnon Foundation account.

“Alex’s club number is 232 so I thought this was a simple way for people willing to help to play a role in his ongoing recovery,” Mulholland said.

“The RiseForAlex round and the money raised was a fantastic achievement.


“But the concern was always going to be Alex’s long term issues.

Any Foundation needs sustainability and for half the cost of a cup of coffee a week, people can become members of the club without it impacting on them too much financially.

“The idea, obviously, is to get as many people as possible to become members by making the commitment.”

A former teacher at St Gregorys College Campbelltown, Mulholland said he has already had more than 700 Old Boys of the College pledge their support.

“It is a simple but highly effective way of making a long term difference for Alex so we’re hoping it is supported,” he said.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nons-rehab-costs/story-fni3gf5j-1227059476945
 
Thats a great idea. I was starting to get a bit concerned that he was getting a bit forgotten. We haven't had any updates on his progress on the official site for ages now.
 
Alex McKinnon finally out of hospital following seven months of rehabilitation


  • NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA
  • OCTOBER 17, 2014 4:42PM

074733-4b9e1afa-55c0-11e4-9982-7891fa7cc08b.jpg

Alex McKinnon has left hospital.


ALEX McKinnon is finally out of hospital following seven months of rehabilitation for a “devastating” spinal injury.

The Newcastle Knights youngster suffered the injury in round three against the Melbourne Storm.He will continue his rehabilitation at home with fiancé Teigan.

“Well this concludes 7 months of inpatient rehab Yew! Finally out & finally back with Teigan,” McKinnon said on Instagram.

“We would love to thank all the staff at Royal Rehab you’ve been unreal.

“Improvement is slow but excited to start my new stage of rehab, a change in environment but the same goals.


100456-d1082eee-55c3-11e4-9982-7891fa7cc08b.jpg

Alex McKinnon’s Instagram post.


“Spewing i missed my good mate of 15yrs @randell_t wedding today, proud of you.”

McKinnon previously stated that he has given up hope of once again playing rugby league.

“Just watched highlights of 2012/13 of me playing hard to think I’ll never play again and know what could of been...” the 22-year-old back-rower from Aberdeen said.

“I’ve spent the last 5 months not dwelling on what could of been but now towards a focus of what I want to make a success.

Yes rugby league was my drive before though my real drive in life is just to succeed & if that be in a new career then that I will do!”

McKinnon says his long-term goal is to walk Teigan down the aisle at their wedding.

He has played 49 NRL games - 46 for the Knights and three for the St George Illawarra Dragons.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...f-rehabilitation/story-fni3gf5j-1227094079658
 
I wish injuries as severe as these could miraculously heal enough to be able to play contact sport again.. Still angers me that Alex won't be able to ever play again. He was such a tough and strong forward. We missed him a lot this season and we will continue to miss him out there.
 
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