Bonnie Toogood doesn’t just kick goals on the field.

The Bulldogs’ forward is an ambassador for the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, where she is involved in a number of programs that aim to change lives of families and individuals across the west of Melbourne and Victoria.  

Toogood has been involved in the Foundation for close to four years, starting off as a mentor in the GOAL program for African-Australian youth, where she helped participants with the challenges they face in everyday life, as well as providing guidance on topics such as goal setting and resume writing. 

From there, Toogood has been heavily involved with the Daughters of the West program, which provides health and wellbeing education to women. 

Even as the program moved online thanks to the pandemic, Toogood provided support and engagement to the participants, as well as insights into the life of an elite athlete. 

“It’s still been fantastic to connect by Zoom, and still see the lovely ladies on their screens,” Toogood told afl.com.au.    

Toogood, who won the 2021 Western Bulldogs Community Award for her work with the Foundation, says her love of the work stems from outcomes of the programs. 

“That’s what I love about the Community Foundation - they’ve set up these programs where people feel accepted and can express who they are, get the support that they need, if they need it, and connect with other humans.

“I think that’s our number one fundamental need – to connect with people.” 

To learn more about the work of the Western Bulldogs Community Program, or to get involved as a participant or volunteer, visit this page.