FROM the tragedy that struck Albury footballer James McQuillan came the inspiration for a charity aiming to help spinal cord injury victims.
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The former Tiger was among more than 30 people at the launch of The Big Day Off Trust yesterday.
The fundraiser works by businesses visiting the charity’s website to donate days off for their staff.
Staff buy $5 raffle tickets, with an extra day off work outside annual leave being the prize when the winners are drawn on July 1.
Big Day Off deputy chairman Ben Hollands said it was a great chance to help Mr McQuillan on a larger scale.
“It’s a simple fun idea, everyone loves the thought of a day off from the boss, so it’s an opportunity to have a free day without taking it out of annual leave,” he said.
“We want people to get out and enjoy our country, so whether it’s climbing a mountain or going to the beach or catching up on sleep, you can have a lot of fun with this.
“We want people to share their thoughts, ideas and pictures to show how they might like to spend their day off — we want people to share their inspiration.”
People are being urged to use social media to help the fundraiser gain momentum through the posting of their ideal Big Day Off photos on the Facebook page or using #bigdayoff on Instagram.
Businesses are urged to nominate to help the initiative grow into an international success.
Money raised will support sufferers through Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and help find a cure through SpinalCure Australia.
Mr McQuillan said the idea was an “unbelievable” way to raise money and awareness for people with spinal injuries.
“I’m always chasing that dream to walk again, so anything to further the research is incredible,” he said.
“There are people behind the scenes who have done a hell of a lot of work who I didn’t even know about.”
The idea has been nine months in the making and organisers are putting no limit on how big it can grow.
Big Day Off chairman Jon Retford hoped it would eventually rival the likes of Movember, which has reached more than 20 countries.
“This injury changed (Mr McQuillan’s) life but had an impact on the whole community, it is something that affects far too many people,” he said.
“We know this is going to become a big business, we dream of Big Day Off becoming a national and hopefully an international success.”
