Shane Warne’s philanthropic efforts have ground to a halt today, with the former cricketer announcing the embattled Shane Warne Foundation is “ceasing operations”.
The organisation, which was set up in 2004 to raise funds for ill and underprivileged children, was recently audited by the consumer watchdog following allegations of financial mismanagement late last year.
“In response to recent, unwarranted speculation about The Shane Warne Foundation and its distribution of funds, we confirm we have distributed $3.67 million to date with an additional and final substantial cheque to be distributed on March 18, 2016,” an official statement released this afternoon explained.
“At that time, we hope to have distributed over $4 million dollars.”
The statement, which can be read in full on Warne’s Facebook page, announced that the Foundation had already begun the process of closing down, but urged their “many incredible achievements” not be forgotten.
Someone who has helped raise money for the organisation told Mamamia: “My friends and I did the Melbourne Marathon last year. Most of the money raised went to Shane Warne’s foundation. I truly wonder where that money went.”