MELBOURNEfc has taken the initiative to support Friday night's Clash for Cancer against Essendon by wearing specially made jumpers with a yellow trim on the sleeve.
"When we heard that Essendon were raising awareness of this important cause, we wanted to do all we could to help," CEO Steve Harris said. "Our Club partners with Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia. Cancer touches many people’s lives and we at MELBOURNEfc believe it is extremely important to help raise awareness for important causes such as this one. The Jumpers should provide some excellent fundraising for The Cancer Council Victoria."
The specially created jumpers will be auctioned on the Club's website with proceeds donated to The Cancer Council Victoria.
“With 13,000 men diagnosed every year, there are many men within the Melbourne Football Club community who have faced cancer,” Melbourne’s Brad Green said. “Clash for Cancer is an opportunity for us to stand together and make a real difference to their cancer fight.”
During Clash for Cancer, both Essendon and Melbourne players will don guernseys with a yellow armband incorporated into the sleeve to raise funds for The Cancer Council Victoria. Supporters at the game will also be asked to don a yellow armband and give generously to help tackle cancer.
“Cancer Council volunteers dressed in yellow will be distributing yellow armbands in exchange for donations before the game and at half time,” Green said. “If you’re going to the game, please dig deep.”
Cancer Council Director of Community Relations and Fundraising Deb Stringer says the Cancer Council is thrilled that Melbourne Football Club has come on board the event.
“Victorian men are less likely to survive a cancer diagnosis than female Victorians,” Ms Stringer said. “By incorporating a yellow armband into their guernseys, Essendon and Melbourne are playing a key role in raising awareness of this important issue, as well as raising vital funds.”
All funds raised through Clash for Cancer will support lifesaving cancer research, education programs to help men reduce their cancer risk, and support services for men in times of great need.
Clash for Cancer is the culmination of the Cancer Council and Essendon Football Club’s Call to Arms event, in which more than 70,000 local footballers wore a yellow armband during their own club matches on 23-24 June to raise funds.
“It was fantastic to see so many Victorians take action to tackle cancer during Call to Arms,” Ms Stringer said. “Now Clash for Cancer is the chance for Melbourne and Essendon fans to make a difference.”
For more information about Clash for Cancer, call 1300 65 65 85 or visit http://www.clashforcancer.com.au/.
