**BREAKING NEWS: Canberra Raiders Bring Scholarships and Backpacks to Children in Need**
In Canberra this week, NRL star Joe Tapine made headlines for all the right reasons, launching the *Tapine Foundation* alongside the Canberra Raiders. The initiative kicked off with a generous $18,000 scholarship fund aimed at supporting local students facing financial hardship. In addition to the scholarships, the Foundation also donated hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need across the Canberra region.
Tapine, a proud Raiders forward and community advocate, said the Foundation was born out of his passion to give back to the city that has supported his career. “Education and opportunity should be available to every child, no matter their background,” he said at the launch event.
The initiative was met with widespread praise from local families, schools, and community leaders, who highlighted the growing need for such support during tough economic times. The backpacks, loaded with essentials like notebooks, stationery, and lunchboxes, aim to help kids start school on the right foot.
The Tapine Foundation’s launch marks a significant step forward in community engagement for the Raiders, reinforcing their commitment both on and off the field. The club has promised to expand the initiative in coming years.
