BREAKING NEWS : Collingwood football Former superstar Peter Daicos , Donates Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds… “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew……. Read more

BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Football Former Superstar Peter Daicos Donates Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds

In a stunning and heartfelt act of generosity, AFL legend and Collingwood icon Peter Daicos has announced that he is donating the entirety of his recent $12.9 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to a Victorian-based homeless shelter initiative. The donation will go directly toward the development of 150 permanent housing units and 300 emergency shelter beds across the state.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, an emotional Daicos explained the deeply personal reasons behind the move.

“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew that if I was ever in a position to change even one life, I’d do it,” Daicos said. “No one should have to sleep in the cold or feel forgotten in their own country. This isn’t just charity — it’s justice.”

“The Macedonian Marvel” Makes His Most Impactful Move Yet

Known affectionately as “The Macedonian Marvel” during his playing days for his uncanny goal sense and electrifying performances, Daicos has long been a revered figure in the AFL community. But this latest gesture — a selfless commitment to social justice — is being hailed as perhaps his most meaningful legacy.

The funds will be managed in partnership with Homes First Foundation, a Victorian non-profit that has been working for over two decades to address homelessness through innovative housing solutions and wraparound support services.

According to the organization, Daicos’s donation will be pivotal in fast-tracking a multi-stage development plan that includes:

• 150 long-term supportive housing units for individuals and families at risk
• 300 emergency beds spread across four new shelters in Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo
• On-site mental health services, job training, and addiction recovery programs

Community and AFL World React

Social media exploded with praise for the former star shortly after the announcement, with hashtags like #DaicosDelivers and #FromFootyToFoundation trending across platforms.

AFL CEO Gill McLachlan released a statement calling Daicos’s donation “a landmark moment of leadership that goes far beyond the football field.”

“Peter has always been a champion in the truest sense of the word. This is what legacy looks like — not just medals or premierships, but changing lives.”

Collingwood Football Club also issued a statement, applauding their former player’s actions and pledging to match the first $1 million raised by fans through an upcoming fundraising campaign inspired by Daicos’s gift.

Setting an Example for Future Generations

Peter’s son, current Collingwood star Nick Daicos, was also present at the announcement and visibly proud of his father.

“Dad’s always taught us that character matters more than fame or money. Today, he showed the whole country what that really means.”

The Daicos family has asked that the initiative remain focused on the people it aims to serve, urging the public to support local shelters and advocate for more robust housing policies.

Want to Help?

Those inspired by Daicos’s example can contribute to the Homes First Foundation via their website or participate in the “Daicos Housing Drive,” launching next week in partnership with Collingwood FC and several AFL legends.