Penrith Panthers Star Nathan Cleary has done it again, donates $7.5 million to provide shelter for the homeless in.. 

In a powerful act of compassion and leadership off the field, **Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary** has once again proven that his impact goes far beyond rugby league, donating an incredible **$7.5 million** to build **shelters and support centers** for homeless individuals and struggling families across **Western Sydney**.

The announcement, made during a heartfelt community event at **Panthers Stadium**, drew thunderous applause from fans, teammates, and local leaders, all of whom praised Cleary for his continued dedication to using his platform for good.

> “Footy has given me everything,” Cleary said, addressing the crowd. “But not everyone gets that same chance. When I see people in our community — especially families and kids — struggling to find a roof over their heads, it hits home. This is my way of giving something back.”

The $7.5 million donation will go directly into the **Cleary Care Initiative**, a new community-driven project partnering with **local councils and housing charities** to construct and maintain long-term shelters, transitional housing, and educational programs aimed at helping people rebuild their lives.

Cleary, who has been deeply involved in charity work throughout his career, said this particular project was inspired by what he’s seen around Penrith and the greater Western Sydney region.

> “These are my people,” Cleary continued. “This community has supported me from day one. If I can use my success to give hope to even one person who’s struggling — that’s a bigger win than any premiership.”

Head Coach **Ivan Cleary**, Nathan’s father, was visibly emotional when speaking about his son’s generosity.

> “I’ve always been proud of him as a player, but this makes me even prouder as a dad,” Ivan said. “He’s showing that being a champion isn’t just about what you do on the field — it’s about what you do for others.”

The Penrith Panthers organization also pledged to contribute additional funding and volunteer support to expand the project’s reach, with plans to open **the first shelter by early next year**.

NRL CEO **Andrew Abdo** praised Cleary’s efforts, calling it “one of the most significant personal donations ever made by an active rugby league player.”

> “Nathan’s actions show the very best of what our sport stands for — community, compassion, and leadership,” Abdo said. “He’s not just an elite athlete; he’s a role model for an entire generation.”

Fans across Australia took to social media to share their admiration, flooding timelines with messages of support under hashtags like **#ClearyCares**, **#HeartOfPenrith**, and **#NRLForChange**.

One local resident wrote:

> “Nathan Cleary isn’t just our captain — he’s our hero. What he’s doing for this community will change lives.”

As Cleary concluded his speech, surrounded by families who will directly benefit from the initiative, he left the crowd with a message that perfectly summed up his motivation:

> “We all need a home — not just a place to live, but a place to feel safe, to dream, and to grow. If I can help give that to people here in Penrith, then I’ve done my job.”

With this latest act of kindness, **Nathan Cleary** continues to redefine what it means to be a true champion — not only leading his team to victories on the field but leading with heart, humility, and humanity off it.