From bandannas to the big stage: Canteen’s partnership with the Titans and The Lottery Office
Canteen’s partnership with the Gold Coast Titans and The Lottery Office shows what’s possible when sport, community and purpose come together to support young Australians impacted by cancer.
The partnership has already delivered moments that cut through well beyond game day. Most notably, fans, players and the wider community came together at Cbus Super Stadium for a record breaking bandanna moment, helping shine a national spotlight on young people impacted by cancer.
A recap below for any that missed it!
That same spirit carried through to Youth Cancer Awareness Month this year, with a one off NRL jersey takeover that took the partnership to an even bigger stage. For the Titans’ Round 7 clash against the Warriors last weekend, the club replaced its usual front of jersey sponsor with Canteen, made possible through The Lottery Office.
This was more than a logo on a jersey.
By putting Canteen front and centre - literally - on a national sporting stage, the initiative used the reach of rugby league to highlight the growing impact of cancer on young Australians and ensure young people and families know support is available.
Canteen supports young people aged 12 to 25 who are impacted by cancer, whether it is their own diagnosis or that of a parent, sibling or close family member. Through free, evidence based counselling, programs and peer support, Canteen helps young people navigate diagnosis, treatment and life beyond cancer.
The jersey takeover reflects a shared commitment between Canteen, the Gold Coast Titans and The Lottery Office to go beyond traditional sponsorship and create purpose led activations with real community impact.
The Lottery Office CEO Jaclyn Wood said the initiative was about using their platform to amplify Canteen’s mission.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Gold Coast Titans and Canteen to bring this initiative to life. Using the platform of rugby league to highlight such an important cause is something we’re deeply passionate about. Canteen provides critical support to young people facing some of life’s toughest challenges, and this is a powerful way to raise awareness and show them they’re not alone.”
Canteen CEO Siona Hardy said the opportunity to be featured on the front of the Titans jersey was about reach, visibility and impact, particularly during Youth Cancer Awareness Month.
“We’re honoured to be featured on the front of the Titans jersey and incredibly grateful to The Lottery Office and the Gold Coast Titans for making this possible,” Hardy said.
“We are seeing an alarming and undeniable rise in aggressive cancers in young Australians, and we cannot afford to look away. Every year, thousands of young Australians are impacted by cancer, and Canteen exists to ensure they are not facing it alone. Having our name on the front of a Titans jersey, even for one game, helps ensure more young people know where to turn for support when they need it most.”
Now, that impact continues beyond the final whistle.
Following the match, the special edition match worn jerseys are being auctioned, with proceeds supporting Canteen’s counselling, programs and services for young people impacted by cancer. These aren’t just collector’s items. They’re a way for supporters to stand behind young people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Together, these activations show how sport can be used not just to entertain, but to create awareness, connection and meaningful support for young people impacted by cancer during Youth Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.
