How Cricketer Marnus Labuschagne Is Giving Back This Year

This cricket season, world-champion Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne is making an impact beyond the pitch by partnering with Compassion to support a cause close to his heart: helping children living in poverty.

09 Dec, 2024

Many Australians know Marnus for his outstanding achievements with the Australian cricket team. What some may not realise is that his Christian faith inspires a deep passion for charity and giving back. Since 2022, Marnus has been an ambassador for Compassion Australia, using his influence to advocate for the world’s most vulnerable children and help release them from poverty.

“My Christian faith has always been a big part of who I am as a person and a major source of strength and inspiration in my life,” Marnus shares. “I believe strongly in using what we have, whether that be our natural gifting and abilities, resources, time or platforms to positively impact the lives of others. Life isn’t about what we achieve. It’s about who we are and how we use what we have for others.”

Why Marnus Labuschagne’s cricket bat says ‘Choose Compassion’

Cricket fans may have noticed the eagle sticker on Marnus’s bat during every Test match. The eagle serves as a reminder of a key verse in the Bible that inspires him: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV).

This season, Marnus has added the words ‘Choose Compassion’ to his sticker, as he asks people to choose compassion in the way they live and reflecting his partnership with Compassion Australia.

“Compassion is a charity that means a lot to me—it’s all about providing hope for children facing extreme poverty,” Marnus says. “This season, I’m helping children through the Unsponsored Children Fund who are waiting for a sponsor. This way, they can still receive the essential care they need while they wait.”

Growing up in South Africa, Marnus saw how poverty impacts families and communities and the struggles that so many people face to survive.

“I know the difference that even a small amount of support can make. That's why I’m passionate about giving young kids the opportunity to develop and thrive, no matter where they were born.”

Marnus and his wife Bek have been sponsoring two children with Compassion for the past couple of years. “Hearing the impact of that support on their lives is really inspiring. It reminds us that it's possible for anyone to make a real difference to the lives of these kids,” Marnus says.

The words on Marnus’ bat are more than a slogan—they’re a true reflection of his values and his heart to use his platform for greater impact.

Providing hope for children like Darine and Nawkaybu

Children like 8-year-old Darine from the Dominican Republic rely on Compassion’s Unsponsored Children Fund. When Darine’s sponsor suddenly stopped supporting in 2023, the fund ensured he continued to receive the same level of support as before.

For Darine, life at home is challenging. With ten siblings, food is scarce, but Darine knows a nutritious meal is always waiting for him at his local Compassion centre. Even when a wall in their home collapsed due to heavy rain, Darine had hope that he and his family would be okay thanks to the support of their local church and Compassion.

“It makes me happy to play with my friends and eat at the centre and learn from my teacher who treats me well,” Darine says with a big smile.

Similarly, in a remote village in Thailand, 9-year-old Nawkaybu lives with her family of six in a small bamboo home. Her two older teenage siblings haven’t had the opportunity to go to school, but through Compassion’s partnership with a local church, a small school was built where she and her brother can learn.

Although Nawkaybu is registered with Compassion and participates in the local centre, she doesn’t yet have a sponsor. Despite this, she doesn’t miss out on anything, except getting letters from a sponsor.

“I don’t feel any different from my brother or other friends at the project. We all get treated the same and the staff always make me feel loved and cared for,” says Nawkaybu.

More than 282,500 children like Darine and Nawkaybu are still waiting for a sponsor. Thanks to the Unsponsored Children Fund, our local church partners can continue serving, loving, and protecting these precious children while they wait.

How can you join Marnus and ‘Choose Compassion’ this season?

As Marnus heads into this summer of international Test cricket, he’s inviting Australians to join him in making a difference for children like Darine and Nawkaybu—ensuring they continue to receive the care they need to flourish, regardless of their sponsorship status.

By donating to the Unsponsored Children Fund, you can help provide life-changing support to children waiting for a sponsor. A donation of $55 will support one child for one month, providing holistic care like education, healthcare, nutrition and emotional and spiritual support.

Compassion works in 29 countries with 8,600 local church partners to serve families living in poverty. With a focus on holistic child development, Compassion supports over 2.3 million children, helping to release them and their families from the cycle of poverty.

“This season, I’m calling people to join me and show kids living in poverty they are not forgotten,” Marnus says. “When you choose Compassion and support the Unsponsored Children Fund, you can help change a child’s life.”

To make a difference, visit marnus.compassion.com.au and choose Compassion this cricket season.

Written by Bridget Hadfield, Compassion Australia, with local reporting by Piyamary Shinoda, Compassion Thailand and Yrahisa Mateo, Compassion Dominican Republic.