PAUL Stanley has spent the best part of 10 years trying to get his message across to thousands of Queensland teenagers about the devastation that can result from youth violence and the overbearing grief one punch can bring.
It has become his reason for being.
The programs he has fronted and the hundreds of talks he gives around the state impress upon year 12 students the notion of non-violence and youthful respect among young people.
He can say, for sure and certain, the message is getting through – it is just that there is no measure on exactly how many youngsters he is getting through to.
He says if one kid comes along and says to him “you’ve changed my life” then all the presentations, the talks, the confrontations have been worth it.
His work will take a step further this weekend in Redland’s clash with Aspley at Tidbold Park, where special jumpers worn by the Bombers’ players will be auctioned after the match and the funds donated to the Matthew Stanley Foundation.
Paul’s son Matthew, a popular 15-year-old, was tragically killed by a single punch at a party at Alexandra Hills in September, 2006.
Despite their terrible grief, Paul and his wife Kay set up the foundation, which works with the police, ambulance services, schools, churches and community groups to spread the message about violence.
The programs have widened to include the Party Safe initiative and the One Punch Can Kill campaign, with police cars and ambulance vehicles carrying stickers urging young people in potentially violent situations to “Walk Away, Chill Out”.
Mr Stanley was thankful that the Redland Football Club planned to make August 5 the support the Matthew Stanley Foundation Charity Day.
“It’s unbelievable and typical of the great community spirit,” he said. “Using a sporting club – particularly a footy club, no matter the code – is especially pointed,” he said.
“To know the Redland players support the cause is gratifying because younger players and other youngsters look up to them.
“It’s really winning support from the good guys. I think it’s fantastic that the Redland club is supporting what we are trying to do.”
This is the fifth charity day held by the Bombers, with previous years backing Beyond Blue, Cam’s Cause, the Kim Walters Choices Foundation and the Point Lookout-Coochiemudlo Surf Lifesaving Club.
Redland Football Club’s business manager Maree Thomson said the club was thrilled to have the Matthew Stanley Foundation come on board as this year’s charity.
“It’s something we are passionate about and we will continue to work on ways to assist a charity where possible,” she said.
