THE Jim Stynes Foundation (JSF), co-funded with Telstra, has made a $40,000 donation in the name of Sam Docherty, the 2023 winner of the Jim Stynes Foundation Community Leadership Award.

Presented annually at the Brownlow Medal, the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Awards recognises the players who have made a significant difference in the community.

As winner in 2023, Docherty’s inspirational story led to multiple fundraising campaigns within the football community and raised $220,000 towards cancer research.

JSF continues the work of the late Jim Stynes. In partnership with the Melbourne Football Club since 2023, the Foundation strives to have impact in three core areas: youth leadership, youth mental health and youth programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Like Stynes, the Foundation believes in the boundless potential of young individuals, and their abilities to overcome challenges and make a positive difference in the world.

Docherty has pledged the $40,000 to organisations he has previously supported: $30,000 to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and $10,000 to MacKillop Family Services.

With representatives from JSF, the AFL and both charities gathering at IKON Park for the presentation on Thursday, Docherty handed over the cheques to his chosen charities.

Russell Howcroft, Chair of JSF, praised Docherty as a worthy recipient who represents the values of the Jim Stynes Foundation.

"Sam is an incredibly worthy recipient of the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award,” Howcroft said.

"It's an honour for us, at the Jim Stynes Foundation, to be able to continue Jim's legacy and help make a difference in the community. I think we can all agree that Sam embodies the spirit of Jim and the values he stood for.

"We hope this donation, with thanks to Telstra, can provide further support for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and MacKillop Family Services, who both do such important work."