Volunteers including over 35 BHP Billiton employees will be out in force at Subiaco Oval this Sunday to raise funds for the David Wirrpanda Foundation, during the West Coast Eagles Indigenous Round.
In 2009, the David Wirrpanda Foundation raised more than $100,000 on game day and the organisation is hopeful that the football loving people of Perth will again show their generosity by making a donation this weekend.
West Coast supporters attending the Indigenous Round match at Subiaco Oval are encouraged to purchase specially designed David Wirrpanda Foundation merchandise, including a black pashmina, cap and lapel pin.
All items will be exclusively available from volunteers roaming the ground as well as the West Coast Eagles Team Store, and BHP Billiton Iron Ore is calling on all football fans to support this worthy cause and “Wear it for Wirra!” on Sunday.
This year a new alliance has been forged with BHP Billiton Iron Ore, which will see funds raised on the day by BHP Billiton employees matched dollar for dollar as part of the BHP Billiton’s Matched Giving program.
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.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore President, Ian Ashby has witnessed first-hand the results that can be achieved through community partnerships.
“I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the positive outcomes that can be achieved by supporting the educational development of young people and providing contact with positive role models,” he said.
“We are proud to be involved with the David Wirrpanda Foundation which complements BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Indigenous Development Strategy aimed at creating long-term benefits for Indigenous people.
“David and his foundation’s commitment to the Indigenous youth of Western Australia is a shining example of how to make a very real difference to peoples’ lives and we are very pleased to be able to match the contributions raised by our employees at the Indigenous Round through the BHP Billiton Matched Giving program.”
David Wirrpanda said that the Indigenous Round “Wear it for Wirra!” initiative was now one of the biggest fundraising events in the foundation’s calendar.
“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 look forward to another fantastic year backed by the generous support of BHP Billiton’s Matched Giving program,” he said.
Other activities organised for the Indigenous Round match include a welcome to country performed by West Coast's indigenous liaison officer Phil Narkle, a didgeridoo performance at half-time by elder Mort Hansen and free Indigenous face-painting. The curtain-raiser game will feature the Yamatji Sharks and the Nyoongar Country, two teams of young Indigenous players from the mid west and south west regions, who will compete for the Stephen Michael Cup.
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.
