Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs head coach Des Hasler has offered up his famous locks in a unique charity initiative that will raise $100,000 for premier Bulldogs in the Community Partner Camp Quality.

 

Hasler kicked off the fundraising drive at Friday’s Bulldogs Season Launch at Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, and already the tally has rocketed to $70,000 thanks to the input of a host of Bulldogs stakeholders.

 

Canterbury League Club Chairman Dr George Peponis and his Board of Directors were the first to donate with a contribution of $25,000. This was soon joined by a $35,000 contribution from Bulldogs major sponsor Jaycar, with CEO Gary Johnston only too happy to help out the cause.

 

In addition, ARLC Chief Executive David Gallop, ANZ Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry, and Rugby League broadcasters Nine and Fox Sports have also agreed to contribute towards the total.

 

Hasler said when Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg first raised the idea; he was quick to get on board.

 

“The Bulldogs Club is well known for the work it does in the community and in particular for its long standing relationship with Camp Quality,” Hasler said.

 

“Since coming on board I’ve been keen to find a way that I could help out the cause.

 

“While I don’t know how I’ll go with the short hair, when Todd asked me if I’d be keen to cut it all off to raise money for a cause like Camp Quality, it didn’t take long to say yes.

 

“Hair grows back, life doesn’t. If our Members, supporters and sponsors can come up with the cash, I’ll happily cut it all off.”

 

Camp Quality CEO Simon Rountree says he was pleasantly surprised to learn the new Head Coach was so willing to do something so drastic to raise funds and awareness for the vital work his organisation carries out.

 

“When Todd told me that Des was going to shave his head to raise $100,000 for Camp Quality I was speechless, Rountree said.

 

“How amazing for Des to show his support of Camp Quality and his new Club, the Bulldogs, in this way.

 

“Des and the Bulldogs’ fundraising efforts will help us to support children living with cancer and their families whose lives have been turned upside down.

 

“Just recently a parent said to me ‘Camp Quality has given my children somewhere they belong. I can’t find words to describe it… it’s just incredible.’

 

“Des can be very proud of the fact that he is helping to support children living with cancer and their families like this one, right across Australia. We hope that the public get behind the Shave Des Appeal”

Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg was instrumental in the Shave Des appeal and in fostering the clubs relationship with Camp Quality.

 

“Since 2009 we have worked closely with families and staff from Camp Quality, said Greenberg.

 

“Across the organisation we have wholeheartedly adopted Camp Quality’s motto – ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ and each year we commit to raising a substantial amount of money to assist Camp Quality and children living with cancer and their families as part of the partnership.

 

“This year’s initiative is a very unique opportunity; it is a sight not seen in a very long time and something we are really excited to be able to engage our club stakeholders and sports fans across Australia in.”

To learn more about the Shave Des appeal and to place a donation go to: http://www.mycampquality.org.au/shavedes

For More Information: Ross Smart – 0437 788 180 or Jessie Horin – 0422 632 024