A fundraiser for the family of former AFL player Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart remains nearly $1.4 million below its target after his sudden death at the age of 37.
The appeal has collected about $110,000 towards its $1.5 million goal, representing only seven per cent of the funds needed to support Stewart’s wife, Laura, and their two sons, Bernie and Lando.
Put another way, roughly seven cents has been donated for every dollar organisers are seeking.
The significant funding gap has prompted Stewart’s friends and supporters across the football and fitness communities to intensify their calls for help securing the family’s financial future.
David Aitchison, Asia-Pacific chief executive of Body Fit Training, said Stewart had been the household’s primary income earner. He also revealed that Stewart had recently transferred his superannuation, leaving the family without life insurance cover when he died.
The $1.5 million target is designed to help Laura retain the family home and give Bernie and Lando long-term stability, including support for their education.
Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart’s wife Laura and their sons Bernie and Lando face an uncertain future following his sudden death at 37
A fundraiser supporting Stewart’s grieving family has raised approximately $110,000 towards its $1.5million goal
The memorial appeal remains almost $1.4million short of its target, with just over seven per cent raised
Stewart died on October 23 after suffering an unexpected medical episode. News of his death triggered an immediate wave of grief from former teammates, friends and people throughout the fitness industry.
Claire Madden created The Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart Memorial Fund after a stream of people asked how they could offer meaningful assistance to his loved ones.
“We are all completely heartbroken by the immense loss of Daniel Stewart, fondly known to so many of us as ‘Snowy’,” she wrote.
Madden remembered Stewart as a devoted husband, loving father and steadfast friend, saying those closest to him had been left struggling to express the depth of their loss.
She said the number of people reaching out to ask how they could help had been overwhelming.
“We hope this page provides a meaningful way for our community to come together, contribute, and wrap Laura, Bernie, and Lando in the love and support they need right now.”
DON’T MISS: Police report gruesome killing of mother and her two children after they were reported missing – NewsFinale
Stewart played 36 matches for Port Adelaide between 2010 and 2013, scoring 31 goals for the club.
Stewart’s wife Laura has been left to raise their two young boys following the former footballer’s sudden death
Port Adelaide will honour Stewart by wearing black armbands at its first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027
The 200cm forward was selected by the Power in the 2009 rookie draft after playing for North Adelaide. Earlier in his career, he had developed through the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.
Following his football career, Stewart became a Body Fit Training franchise operator with former Port Adelaide teammate and close friend Matt Thomas. Together, they helped grow the fitness network during its formative years.
BFT remembered him as a much-loved figure whose contribution extended well beyond business.
‘More than that he was a devoted husband, father, friend, and much-loved member of the BFT family,’ the company said.
Thomas paid an emotional tribute to the man who had been part of his life for 17 years.
‘We were never just friends. We were always family. And life will never be the same without you.’
Former teammate Kane Cornes also expressed his heartbreak.
‘A true tragedy. A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face,’ he wrote.
‘I loved watching him and his beautiful family from afar. He built a thriving business and shared a special friendship with Matty Thomas. Heart goes out to his family.’
Port Adelaide will honour Stewart by wearing black armbands at its first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027, with the club also pledging support for those affected by his death.
Donations can be made through The Daniel ‘Snowy’ Stewart Memorial Fund.