Inspired by the tragedy that struck Albury footballer James McQuillan, The Big Day Off Trust is looking to one day match the success of the Movember campaign.

Big Day Off chairman Jon Retford said the idea of businesses donating a day off work to be raffled among their staff was something that really resonated with the business community.

“As business leaders, we manage planned and unplanned absence every day,” he said.

“This is a way to reward a lucky staff member with a day off work, while showing your commitment to being socially responsible by supporting national charities that are doing great work in our communities.”

The event involves buying $5 raffle tickets, with an extra day off work outside annual leave being the prize when the winners are drawn on July 1.

The event will benefit Spinal Cord Injuries Australia and SpinalCure Australia.

Mr Retford said businesses large and small had already signed on, while other firms had made donations.

The early registrations include: Crowe Howath Albury, Wodonga Chamber of Commerce, Jayco Albury Wodonga, AFL North East Border, Alliance Health Services Group, ReConnect Communications, SS & A Club, RSM Bird Cameron, Johnsons MME, Joss Group, The Border Mail, Win Television, GA & JC Jacobs Painting, McRae Motors, ANZ, Albury Council, Web Matrix, Tom Lingham Development, Border Express and Wilson Transformers.

Jayco dealer principal Michael Houlihan said getting involved was an easy decision to make.

“Not that I’ve been involved with the organisation of it, but I’ve been privy to the whole thing from the start,” he said.

“I know exactly what they’re trying to get to with the Big Day Off.

“For businesses it’s a real no-brainer really. It’s a no-cost option because if you don’t buy a ticket or don’t get drawn out it costs you nothing.”

Mr Houlihan said he was involved with Border Trust and so “I know how tough it is to get our hands on the charity dollar”.

“You have to put some incentives in there to get people to part with their money,” he said.

Mr Houlihan said it was important the community threw its support behind the campaign.

“And it’s not just the Border community but also nationally,” he said.

“When you look at spinal research and the number of spinal injuries you hear about, it’s a big cost.

“This is one of those things that probably can take off and be like some of those national events.”

Mr Retford said he knew there were other “big hearted” leaders who had not yet signed and encouraged them to do so.

“I urge staff to encourage their workplace bosses to register,” he said.

To register your business or nominate your workplace, visit the website bigdayoff.org.