During the month of September, football players from clubs across the State can pull on purple socks to help raise awareness for a disease that is on track to become the third most common cancer killer in Australia this year.
The #PlayinPurple campaign is in its sixth year and has continued to grow since its inception with over 3500 players wearing purple socks to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer in 2019.
Pancreatic cancer tragically claimed the life of former Glory midfielder Liam Miller in February 2018 and many people associated with the club may not previously even have been aware of its existence.
So in 2020, we’re urging as many of our members and fans as possible to get behind the campaign and play in purple socks this September.
Isabella Di Manno started the campaign in 2015 after the sudden death of her fiancee’s mother to the disease.
Her family had always been very involved in football and Isabella saw this as the perfect way to raise awareness and critical funds into research, improving diagnosis and treatment.
“The campaign continues to grow from strength to strength each year,” she said, “drawing much needed attention to pancreatic cancer.
“It’s wonderful to see the participation grow across clubs, codes and regions and reading the testimonials.
“Talking to players, it’s clear that the campaign unites communities through active participation and acts as a positive talking point between people who might not necessarily know the outcomes of pancreatic cancer.”
Avner Foundation CEO, Michelle Stewart, meanwhile, is relishing the prospect of seeing the #PlayInPurple camapaign continuing to flourish.
“We are excited to see playing fields Australia-wide turned purple for pancreatic cancer,” she said, “and awareness on this scale is exactly what we need to help shine a light on this disease.
“This campaign is a wonderful opportunity to increase engagement between clubs, players and the community, all participating for a very important cause – pancreatic cancer awareness.”
The #PlayinPurple 2020 campaign will run in the first few weeks of September, with clubs and associations having the ability to select the weekend that is most convenient to them.
As an incentive to get behind the campaign, Perth Glory are delighted to offer West Australian clubs with the highest participation levels free match day tickets in the 2020/2021 season and Avner Foundation will reach out to those clubs directly at the end of the campaign.
Key information
- #PlayinPurple 2020 runs in the first three weekends of September (clubs choose their round to play in purple socks)
- All players, clubs and codes are encouraged to participate Australia-wide, with a simple change of your local club socks to purple socks for one weekend!
- Avner Foundation purple socks are $15 per pair and the funds raised will go toward pancreatic cancer research and patient support
- A #PlayinPurple pack including a social media guide is provided. Campaign hashtags are #playinpurple #pancreaticcancer @avnersfoundation
- Socks can be ordered through the online store HERE.
- Clubs and associations are able to make a direct donation to Avner Foundation
- Clubs in WA must order socks before 21 August.
For more information please click visit the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation website HERE.
Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation is the only charity in Australia exclusively dedicated to pancreatic cancer with a mission to dramatically increase survival rates and quality of life for Australians impacted by the disease.
We aim to achieve this through a strategic focus on raising awareness, investing in ground-breaking medical research and advocating for the best possible outcomes for patients and their families.
#OneGlory
