The charitable hearts of West Coast Eagles members and supporters were again on show during last weekend’s Indigenous Round clash against St. Kilda, as fundraising efforts from hard-working volunteers around Subiaco Oval, along with a generous contribution from BHP Billiton Iron Ore helped raise over $70,000 for the David Wirrapanda Foundation.

On a day that celebrated the achievements and recognised the important role Indigenous Australians have played in the AFL, Sunday’s match was also a chance for West Coast supporters to say thank-you and farewell to club legend David Wirrapanda as he completed a lap of honour prior to the game.

Since 2008, an Eagles match has been dedicated to raising funds for the David Wirrapanda Foundation, with Wirrpanda now marking the importance of the Indigenous Round “Wear it for Wirra!” initiative as one of the biggest fundraising events in the foundation’s calendar.

This year a new alliance with BHP Billiton Iron Ore saw funds raised on the day by the organisation’s employees matched dollar for dollar as part of the BHP Billiton’s Matched Giving program.

“Events such as the Indigenous Round not only raise the profile of organisations like ours, they also provide an incredible focus for our fundraising. We were blown away last year by the results and this year’s total was fantastic with the generous support of BHP Billiton’s Matched Giving program,” Wirrapanda said.

All funds raised at the game will contribute to the successful educational programs run by the David Wirrpanda Foundation, which encourages and supports young Indigenous people to continue their education, pursue further studies and make healthy life choices.

Chief Executive Officer of the David Wirrapanda Foundation, Lisa Cunningham, has thanked all those who donated on the day.

“The generosity of everyone around the ground was incredible, and personally, I would like to thank everyone for helping to assist the work our Foundation does,” Cunningham said.

BHP Billiton Iron Ore is the West Coast Eagles Principal Community Partner supporting such community programs as: Eagles Rock My School, Eagles Faction Footy, Eagles Cup, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Indigenous Leadership Program and the Kicking Goals Program.