**BREAKING NEWS: Parramatta Eels Star Mitchell Moses and Wife Bri Gardoni Donate Entire \$12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative — “I’ve Seen the Effects of Homelessness Firsthand Growing Up, and I Knew\…”**
In a stunning act of generosity and compassion, Parramatta Eels superstar **Mitchell Moses** and his wife **Bri Gardoni** have donated the entirety of his recent **\$12.9 million** in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to fund a bold and desperately needed homeless shelter initiative across New South Wales.
The donation, which is among the largest single philanthropic contributions ever made by an active NRL player, will be used to construct **150 long-term housing units** and **300 emergency shelter beds**, targeting families, youth, and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Western Sydney and surrounding regions.
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### A Pledge With Purpose
Speaking at a press conference held earlier today at the construction site of the first shelter in Parramatta, Moses was emotional as he addressed the media.
> **”I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up,”** Moses said, pausing to collect himself. **”I knew if I ever had the chance to make a real difference, I would. This isn’t charity. This is a promise to every kid sleeping in a car, every mum worried about the next meal, that they are seen, they matter, and they are not alone.”**
His wife, Bri Gardoni, who has a background in mental health advocacy and community development, stood firmly by his side, adding:
> **”This is deeply personal for us. We didn’t want to just write a cheque—we wanted to be involved in building futures. This is about restoring dignity and hope.”**
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### From Field to Frontline: The Power of Using a Platform
Mitchell Moses, 30, has long been known as a fan-favorite for the Eels—a gifted playmaker and resilient leader on the field. But off the field, this move signals a shift toward legacy-building that goes beyond statistics and premierships.
The \$12.9 million stems from recent performance-based bonuses following the Eels’ deep finals run last season, coupled with lucrative sponsorship deals with major Australian brands including Asics, Gatorade, and a prominent Sydney real estate firm.
Rather than investing in luxury assets or padding personal wealth, Moses and Gardoni worked quietly for months behind the scenes with local councils, architects, and not-for-profits like **Mission Australia**, **Link Wentworth Housing**, and **Youth Off The Streets**, to allocate the funds for **maximum impact**.
> **”This is the first time we’ve seen such a holistic partnership between a player, private enterprise, and government,”** said Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington. **“Mitchell and Bri aren’t just giving money—they’re setting a new gold standard for athlete activism in Australia.”**
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### Building Hope: The Project at a Glance
Dubbed the **”Field of Shelter” Initiative**, the project has three core pillars:
1. **Permanent Housing:**
* 150 fully equipped housing units with on-site support services for single parents, veterans, and disabled individuals.
* Designed by a team of social architects to promote healing, safety, and community.
2. **Emergency Shelters:**
* 300 beds distributed across three locations in Parramatta, Penrith, and Liverpool.
* Includes 24/7 crisis support, health services, and transitional care teams.
3. **Youth Engagement Hubs:**
* In partnership with the Eels, hubs will offer sports, mentorship, and job training.
* Targets at-risk youth with pathways into education and employment.
All shelters are being constructed with environmentally sustainable materials and are expected to open in phases between early 2026 and mid-2027.
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### Community Reaction: “They Walk the Talk”
The reaction from the public, sporting community, and civic leaders has been overwhelmingly positive.
> **”When someone like Mitchell, who grew up around here, gives back like this—it means the world,”** said community worker Lorraine Tafa. **“It’s not a headline grab. He shows up. He cares.”**
Even rival NRL stars took to social media to praise Moses.
* Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary posted: *”Massive respect to Mitchell and Bri. True leaders off the field. 👏”*
* Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) president Clint Newton issued a statement calling the donation **“a monumental moment in NRL history.”**
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### A Ripple Through the League?
There is growing speculation that Moses’ generosity could spur a broader cultural shift across the NRL, with other high-profile athletes now considering similar community-focused initiatives.
Eels coach Brad Arthur, who has mentored Moses for years, wasn’t surprised.
> **”Mitchell has always had heart. This just shows how big it is. He’s not just building homes—he’s building legacy.”**
The NRL has also reportedly begun talks to introduce a **“Community Impact Award”** to formally recognize off-field philanthropic efforts by players, with Mitchell Moses being the likely inaugural recipient.
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### “This Is Just the Start…”
Despite the fanfare, Moses and Gardoni were quick to emphasize that their work is only beginning.
> **”We’re not heroes,”** said Gardoni. **”We’re just people with a platform who refuse to stay silent in the face of suffering.”**
Plans are underway for a second phase of funding—potentially targeting mental health services and Indigenous housing—should additional sponsorships and partnerships come through.
Mitchell closed the press event with a simple, but powerful message:
> **”Footy’s given me so much. It’s only right that I give back—to the game, to the community, and to every person who feels forgotten. No one should sleep on the street. Not on our watch.”**
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### A Call to Action
In the wake of this announcement, community leaders have encouraged the public to contribute, volunteer, and advocate for sustainable housing reform. A dedicated website—**FieldOfShelter.org.au**—has been launched to accept donations and provide updates.
As the construction trucks roll in and the foundations are laid, one thing is clear: **Mitchell Moses and Bri Gardoni are not just shaping the future of rugby league—they’re shaping the future of Australian communities.**
And in doing so, they’re reminding us all what true leadership looks like.
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