The Swans are raising money for the Oncology Children’s Foundation to help find a cure for the disease responsible for the deaths of 200 Australian children every year.
“The initiative is motivating for both players and fans,” O’Keefe said. “The more goals we kick this season, the more money we raise for OCF. It’s that simple.”
In 2008, over 300 Swans fans signed up for GOAL 4 A GOAL and donations for the 321 goals kicked during the season raised $60,000. Money raised through GOAL 4 A GOAL goes towards the Gene Therapy Program, a cutting-edge research program conducted by the Oncology Research Unit (ORU) at the Children’s Hospital, Westmead. This funding has provided many sick children with a fighting chance.
“It’s a bit of a fun thing, because you get to cheer your team on to try and kick more goals which will make us win more games and then obviously donate to a good cause,” O’Keefe said.
“It’s the second year this year, and if we have a few extra people doing it we should reach our goal of $100,000 pretty easily. And obviously I’ve got to kick more goals than I kick points.”
Last week, O’Keefe visited the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and met some of the patients who are benefiting from funds raised by the GOAL 4 A GOAL initiative.
“It was really good. It was humbling to see some of the kids out there that have to go through this, and it just makes you realise how lucky you are that you have your full health,” he said.
“It’s great to see the people out there who work tirelessly to try and accommodate the kids and help find a cure for their disease.”
O’Keefe recently made a one-off opening pledge of $5000 to the cause after winning a celebrity golf tournament, which was followed up by a $100 contribution from his grandfather, Lionel Ryan.
Lionel Ryan, 74, was a member of Footscray’s first premiership-winning side in 1954, and said he was very proud of his grandson’s role as GOAL 4 A GOAL ambassador.
“I’ve actually had prostate cancer myself, and I’ve been treated. I’ve got a cousin that’s got breast cancer and I’ve got a very good friend at the moment who is not going too good. It’s a bastard of a thing,” Mr Ryan said.
“I’m lucky, I think I caught mine in time because I had treatment about three years ago. I’ve got to have regular tests but I seem to be going all right.
“Ryan’s a thoughtful boy, and he’s quite proud to be the ambassador. I’m proud of him.”
