St Kilda will put its community partners and initiatives in focus as part of Round 20, all thanks to the support of Pepper Money.

Australia’s number one alternative lender shifted its partnership with the club in 2021 to include the Saints community, helping support under-served communities who add so much to our game.

Among the projects supported by Pepper Money are SaintsPlay, an initiative which encourages accessibility to Aussie Rules for children with special needs, St Kilda’s Wheelchair and Blind Football teams, the Ahead of the Game program run in conjunction with Movember, as well as Point + Be Proud, which aims to educate school-age children about the impacts of racism.

Pepper Money’s financial support has provided the Saints Community and its various programs facilitators, resources and even club memberships to make a significant impact for those who would otherwise be underrepresented or forgotten.

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said Friday’s match against Carlton would provide a chance to formally acknowledge what the club’s community partners have achieved in 2021.

“For us to be able bring the community together and celebrate people from all walks of life with the support of Pepper Money is something we’re immensely proud of,” Finnis said.

“The impact that our community programs have made this year alone is profound, and while it’s unfortunate that we won’t be able to all come together in Round 20 due to COVID-19 restrictions, it’s never been more important to recognise all the amazing work that has been done.”

Pepper Money’s CEO Mario Rehayem explained the passion behind supporting the various community programs alongside St Kilda.

"Helping the under-served succeed is what Pepper Money is all about. Our partnership with St Kilda and their community partners has allowed us to make a real life difference in the community, with a particular focus on diversity and inclusion.

"We are very proud to see the culmination of our combined efforts to date come to life in this community round."