Three-time premiership player, and newly elected Chairman of the Brisbane Lions Foundation, Clark Keating, is calling on all members and supporters to help contribute towards the Club’s ongoing success.

The Lions Foundation is an independent, non-profit, national organisation established to provide long-term strategies for the Brisbane Lions’ financial future through a range of fundraising initiatives.

Keating replaced former Number One Ticketholder John Pearce as Chairman of the Foundation last month, and now heads a new-look Board that is determined to improve the Club’s sustainability.

Since his retirement as a player in 2006, Keating has developed an impressive post-football portfolio as a successful property developer with the Kenham Group in Brisbane.

He was first approached to join the Foundation Board at the end of 2012, and after spending 12 months as a Director, was elected Chairman at their most recent Board meeting when Pearce officially stood down from the position.

“It’s a real honour to be named Chairman of the Lions Foundation,” Keating told lions.com.au.

“When John Pearce revealed that he would be stepping down as Chairman, I told him that I was interested in nominating for the position as it’s something that I’m obviously passionate about.

“John is one of Brisbane’s most successful and respected business identities and had done a terrific job in establishing the Foundation, but he felt it was time to get new people involved with fresh ideas. Thankfully he’ll be staying involved as a Patron of the Lions Foundation.”

Pearce’s daughter Tracey was also appointed to the Board at the March meeting, along with Chris Orton and John Dall’Amico, who are both heavily involved with the long-serving Lion Hunters coterie in Victoria.

They join existing Directors Mick Power, Tim Crommelin and Mac Tolliday on the Board.

Keating said the new-look Board was united in finding new and innovative ways to provide financial assistance for the Club.

“The whole idea is to work closely with the Brisbane Lions. After all, whatever we raise will eventually go back to the Club in some form,” he said.

“So we’re determined to get the word out there and get as much support as we can.

“The original basis of the Foundation surrounded bequests and supporters leaving money to the Club in their Will, but we want to devise and promote other ways to raise funds as well.

“For instance, we’re looking at starting up a new group called ‘Friends of the Foundation’ which is an initiative endorsed by the Club. Our plan is to obtain 100 members over the next five years at $1,000 per annum.

“The best part is that the Lions Foundation has been approved by the Australian Sports Foundation, so all donations are tax deductable.”

“It’s critically important that a Foundation such as this exists to support the financial stability of the Club.

“The Geelong Football Club Foundation played a key role in turning the Cats around over the past decade by helping pay back the club’s debt and contribute towards the stadium redevelopment. The Swans have a very strong Foundation as well.

“It’s now up to us to provide the Lions with a similar level of assistance.”

Read more about the Brisbane Lions Foundation by clicking here 

Alternatively, you can contact them via email at blfoundation@lions.com.au to find out how you can help.