**BREAKING NEWS: Bulldogs Star Stephen Crichton Pledges \$6.5 Million to Build Shelter for Homeless Youth in Western Sydney**
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton has stunned fans and the wider community with an extraordinary act of generosity, investing \$6.5 million of his own money to convert a large residential property into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth in Western Sydney.
The 24-year-old rugby league star, widely celebrated for his skill on the field, is now earning praise for his actions off it. Crichton, who has spoken candidly about his humble upbringing and the challenges faced by young people in disadvantaged communities, says the decision is deeply personal.
“This is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time,” Crichton said at a press conference earlier today. “There are so many kids doing it tough out there with no stable place to sleep, no support, and no hope. I was lucky to have my family’s love and support growing up — not everyone gets that. I want to give them a chance.”
The shelter, which will be named *The Crichton House*, is set to be located in Mount Druitt — a suburb not far from where Crichton grew up. It will accommodate up to 30 young people at a time, offering not just a safe place to sleep, but also counselling services, job training, and education support.
In partnership with local charities and government programs, *The Crichton House* will operate 24/7 and aims to help break the cycle of homelessness. The facility is expected to open its doors in early 2026, with construction beginning later this year.
Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton hailed Crichton’s initiative as “inspirational and game-changing,” noting that it reflects the values the club stands for. “Stephen is not only a phenomenal athlete but a leader in every sense of the word,” he said.
Fans and fellow NRL players have flooded social media with messages of admiration, applauding Crichton for using his platform and resources to create long-term, meaningful change.
As the NRL season heats up, Crichton’s impact is already being felt far beyond the stadium. His commitment to social justice has set a new benchmark for what leadership in sport can look like — one rooted not just in performance, but in purpose.
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