A million-dollar milestone
The 2014 Dig Deep Day acheived a record total and brought the 10-year total to over one million dollars
As has become the custom, Eagles supporters got on board with Dig Deep Day in spectacular fashion in 2014, with the club donating over $129,000, the highest in Dig Deep Day history, to the Cancer Council WA.
Thanks to the support of Caltex Australia, The West Australian and the generosity of the football community across WA, the total raised crashed through the magical million dollar mark, putting an exclamation mark on a remarkable 10-year run.
This year, West Coast Eagles members and fans were this year encouraged to get behind the cause by purchasing 10-year commemorative Dig Deep lapel pins from Caltex stores, the West Coast Eagles Team Store or at the ground on Dig Deep Day.
Adding to the fundraising efforts, the chance to toss the coin at the Dig Deep Day match was also up for grabs with fans bidding online for the once in a lifetime opportunity, while players also auctioned off match-worn boots, with funds raised also handed directly to the campaign.
Andrew Gaff, who had the official duties of handing over the cheque to Cancer Council WA along with fellow Cancer Council ambassador Luke Shuey, said reaching the magical million dollar mark is a terrific reflection of the generosity of the WA football public.
“On behalf of everyone involved in Dig Deep Day I’d like to thank everyone who got behind the campaign and helped us get to the million,” said Gaff.
“Whether you purchased a pin, bid on our boots, or simply donated, you’ve made a contribution to a wonderful cause which we’re very proud of.”
Shuey said the biggest thanks must go to the football public, who forked out their hard-earned in support of the cause.
“The only reason we can continue to do our bit for cancer research each year is because we have such incredibly generous fans,” Shuey said.
“It has been a special 10-year journey, and along with our fans and members, we look forward to continuing to support the Cancer Council in the future.
“A big thank you must go to Caltex Australia and to the West Australian for supporting the Dig Deep campaign as well. Without support from those organisations, these fundraising campaigns can’t happen.”