Image: Sammy D Foundation founder Neil Davis (centre) with Sammy D Champions Ollie Wines (left) and Matthew Nicks (right) at Woodville Hotel
South Aussies are being called upon to get involved in a simple yet impactful gesture this May: putting schnitzels on their menus in support of ending bullying and youth violence fueled by drugs and alcohol.
The #schnitty4sam initiative, spearheaded by the Sammy D Foundation, honours the memory of Sam Davis, whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 17 due to a fatal one-punch attack.
Sam’s evening, like many teenagers’, began with a game of footy followed by a schnitty dinner at South Adelaide’s clubrooms before heading to a party with friends. However, his night took a devastating turn, underscoring the urgent need to address youth violence.
With school violence on the rise by 22% over the past three years, #schnitty4sam aims to raise $70,000 to fund the Sammy D Foundation’s educational programs. These programs reach approximately 7000 young individuals, equipping them with knowledge and strategies to ensure their safety and that of their peers.
Participation in #schnitty4sam is straightforward:
- Enjoying a schnitty at any of the more than 50 participating pubs and hotels, which are generously donating proceeds from each schnitty sold.
- Buy schnitzels at Drakes Supermarket in SA and QLD between now and May 7, and $1 from every specially marked pack will be donated.
- Making a direct online donation to the Sammy D Foundation to commemorate Sam’s life and support their vital work.
Neil Davis, Sam’s dad and founder of the Sammy D Foundation, said the campaign made enjoying a schnitty guilt-free and supported a worthy cause.
“The simple act of having a schnitzel for dinner highlights how normal life can be for someone like Sam before tragedy strikes,” Neil says.
“One minute Sam was doing what he loved, playing footy and enjoying dinner with his mates at South Adelaide Football Club, and only hours later he died from a senseless act of violence.
“We know South Australians love a schnitty, so all we ask is to put one on the menu when you’re dining out or at home and the money raised will help us to keep young people and their mates safe.
“Our programs help young people to understand that if they make bad decisions involving alcohol, drugs or violence, it could be their mate or themselves who are killed.
“We are thrilled to have many new and existing partner pubs signed up, to have the continuing donations from Drakes Supermarkets, and we’re very excited and thankful that the Burton Foundation is supporting #schnitty4sam this year too.”
This year, the Burton Foundation will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000
Last year’s campaign saw an impressive 34,963 schnitties consumed across 98 participating venues, raising $30,904. This year’s goal is ambitious, aiming to surpass previous achievements and further support the foundation’s mission of creating a kinder, safer society.
Sammy D Foundation’s education programs inform young people about the consequences of violence and drug and alcohol misuse, with the goal to achieve a whole school culture where violence is not accepted. The foundation’s aim is to ultimately create a kinder, safer society for us all.
To get involved and for the full list of participating venues, head here.
More News
