Lowndes wins a Newman role

Craig Lowndes is following the Paul Newman path as he makes the transition away from a full-time Supercars racer.

He is even plugging into the Newman charity model for his next move, teaming up with Mates4Mates, which supports Australian Defence Force members and their families.

Lowndes has been allocated a $100,000 grant from the Newman’s Own Foundation – which receives most of its funding from the sale of the late actor’s food products –one of seven such grants for Australia sporting heroes in 2019.

Lowndes joins Paralympic gold medallist Kurt Fearnley, retired netballer Liz Ellis, rugby league legend Jonathan Thurston, cricket queen Ellyse Perry, AFL star Patrick Dangerfield and winter Olympics gold medallist Alisa Camplin.

Each of the seven has nominated an Australian charity to receive $100,000 and Lowndes has chosen Mates4Mates, which provides support and rehabilitation services for current and ex-serving members of the defence force who have physical or psychological injuries as a result of their service.

“They have protected us, so we need to look after them and their families,” Lowndes says.

“Our veterans deserve support as they continue the journey of rebuilding their lives. Many have physical and psychological injuries as a result of their service within the defence force.”

Lowndes and his wife Lara became official ambassadors for Mates4Mates last year.

His grant will be used to support social connection programs for veterans and their families and support the STAIR – Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation – program. It’s an innovative-peer led skills program aimed at assisting Mates to develop skills in emotion regulation and interpersonal functioning for recovery to improve their day-to-day living.

Four Mates will be funded for a Diploma in Counselling, so they can facilitate the 12-week STAIR program for other Mates.

Lowndes became involved with the charity last year during its Mates Month, when he did a number of promotions including Supercar rides, and has continued and deepened his ties.

“As sportspeople, we have the opportunity to set an example, whether that is being responsible on the roads or saying it’s ok to ask for support when you need it,” says Lowndes.

The Newman’s Own Foundation was created when the actor, who was also a passionate and championship winning race driver in America and also the part-owner of a front-running IndyCar team, decided to pass on all profits from the sale of food products starting with his own salad dressing. Since 1982 it has donated more than $500 million to thousands of charities around the world.