Join Jack Steele in supporting the Big Day Off to raise money and awareness for those impacted by spinal injury, and win a day off work!
Consider for a moment that the person most likely to suffer a spinal cord injury in Australia is a male between 15 and 24 years of age, and it’s easy to understand why Steele, the GIANTS and the AFL have committed their support to an initiative like the Big Day Off.
James McQuillan fits the profile to a tee, and is one of many young men who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) in the prime of their young lives, playing a sport that so many Australians know and love.
Twenty-two year old James is the inspiration behind the Big Day Off, having sustained quadriplegia playing country football in Victoria in 2014.
Only about 12 per cent of spinal cord injuries are sporting related, but what that translates to is approximately 44 (often young) lives changed drastically and permanently every year.
This means more than a loss of mobility, it’s a loss of independence, sensation, bodily control and even the ability to breathe unaided in some cases.
The Big Day Off is a straightforward and engaging way for businesses to support a great cause by putting up an additional day or days off work for their staff to win.
Businesses simply register and nominate a number of days off available for staff to win. Staff can then purchase as many tickets as they like ($5 each) to go into the draw to win an additional paid day off work – to spend doing whatever they like. It’s that simple.
All proceeds from ticket sales go to Australian spinal cord injury support and research charities that help people with SCI with their day-to-day needs, and funds research that will ultimately help to find a cure for the condition.
The entire BDO sign-up and ticket purchase process takes place online between March 31 and June 1.
"The most people who sustain a spinal cord injury are aged just 15 to 24 years old, and often are injured as a result of playing sport,” Steele said.
"These are young people who have to navigate the hurdles of just staring out in life with the added complication of a serious disability.
"Being a professional AFL player at that age myself, I’m encouraging people to register their business or nominate their boss to take part in the Big Day Off.
"Your participation will help all Australians with spinal cord injury receive the support they need to live their day-to-day lives and to find a cure for future generations."
The GIANTS are proud to participate in the Big Day Off, offering up days off work to their own administration and football staff.
Register now or find out more at bigdayoff.org.au
