Posted On: November 12, 2018
As 2018 winds down, now is the time to look back on what was a huge year for Netball NSW and the NSW Swifts when it came to breaking records alongside The Kids’ Cancer Project.
The charity, which helps raise vital funds and awareness for child cancer research, first teamed up with the Swifts in 2008, meaning that this tenth year of partnership was always going to be a big one.
Since Crazy Hair & Sock Day began eight years ago, the NSW netball community has rallied together by donning bright, colourful hair and socks to raise as much money as possible – and 2018 was the most successful so far.
The past 12 months saw a record number of Associations register for the event (72), reaching the highest fundraising tally ever – a whopping $69,461.
Netball NSW and the Swifts would like to give a special shout-out to a group of Associations who have gotten behind this wonderful initiative every single year since the very beginning:
- Blacktown City Netball Association
- Blue Mountains Netball Association
- Illawarra District Netball Association
- Penrith Netball Association
- Randwick Netball Association
- Sutherland Shire Netball Association
- Wyong District Netball Association
Sophie and Rhiana from Penrith Netball Association which has participated in Crazy Hair & Sock Day since 2010.
Sutherland Shire Netball Association and Nelson Bay Netball Association both won the 2018 highest fundraiser award at this year’s Netball NSW State Dinner, presented by The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO, Owen Finegan. Sutherland raised the highest amount of money, while Nelson Bay raised the most per capita.
Netball NSW’s Tim Underwood, General Manager of Commercial and Corporate Partnerships, said that the organisation is proud of the partnership with the charity.
“Our connection with The Kids’ Cancer Project is a very special one and we really do cherish it because of the amazing work they do for such an important cause," Underwood said.
“The fact that in our tenth year as partners they broke records in the number of Associations involved and money raised is very exciting and just proves how important they are to our netball community.”
Finegan said it was wonderful to work alongside Netball NSW and the Swifts.
“In 2018 The Kids’ Cancer Project celebrated a decade of partnership with Netball NSW and eight years of Crazy Hair & Sock Day," he said.
“We couldn’t be happier with this year’s result of almost $70,000 raised by players, umpires, coaches, supporters and fans. It all goes toward scientific research to find kinder, more effective treatments for the 950 children diagnosed with cancer every year."
“In the 10 years that Netball NSW have supported The Kids’ Cancer Project, over $250,000 has been raised for childhood cancer research."
“Through grass-roots activities, we’ve seen a huge groundswell of support over the years proving just how generous and community minded the sport is. Participating Netball Associations in the state can be proud of their role in funding bold scientific research that is helping children diagnosed with cancer."
“Simply put, we couldn’t do what we do without the generosity and passion of Netball NSW’s players, fans, coaches. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate Netball NSW’s 90th anniversary in 2019 and look forward to many more years of partnership ahead,” Finegan said.
Donate to research and help find more effective treatments for kids with cancer.