Nor-West Jets Support Beards of Hope Campaign

The Nor-West Jets are letting their hair out to help support the Beards of Hope charity again in 2017.

The Club, which founded the Beards of Hope foundation in 2013, have set their sights on raising $100,000 this season.

During the middle of the 2013 season, the Jets were struggling for form and a drastic change was needed. The answer to their problems was found in growing out their beards, and it almost led them to Premiership glory – but more importantly, it turned into the Beards of Hope fundraiser.

Beards of Hope raises money for ‘Bears of Hope‘, a charity which focuses on raising funds and awareness for grieving families who have experienced the loss of a child.

Secretary of the Nor-West Jets, Geana Smith explains the origins of the Beards of Hope as a stumbled upon idea, which turned out to be a fantastic initiative.

“Some of the players were sitting around after a game having a few beers when one of the boys was asked why he didn’t have a beard,” explains Smith.

“He replied that work wouldn’t let him unless it was for charity, so that was the start, and Bears of Hope was the charity we chose to support.”

“The Beards of Hope Campaign was born.”

In 2013, 60 members of the Jets team grew beards for the season, and now four years later the charity is operating nationwide. What started as a goal to raise $5,000.00, turned into over $92,000.00 raised in 2015.

The charity has raised over $200,000.00 across the last four years.

“We had no idea [how big it would become],” Smith said.

“We are so proud that our simple idea would raise such unbelievable money.”

The Jets encourage all football players around Australia to grow beards during the Winter season (1 June – 31 August). Come September, those taking part will lose their carefully cultivated beards all in the name of charity.

“Bears of Hope do a wonderful job supporting mothers and their families at their time of need,” Smith said.

“We hoped to help them get more awareness within our community and eventually help support the fathers as well.”

Part of the money raised during last season’s efforts went towards purchasing Auskick jumpers for the Hawkesbury Saints. The design features logos for both charities on the front and back, in an attempt to spread further awareness for the cause at a community level.

“We often support struggling families within our community, and this season we decided we would purchase Auskick Guernseys for our junior club the Hawkesbury Saints.

“In doing so we decided it would be a great idea to advertise the Bears of Hope logo on the back and the Beards of Hope on the front.

“We are just a footy club in a small community, who loves giving back to a community that it has supported the club for 40-odd years.”

Plans are already underway for a Charity Race Day. The ‘Christmas in July’ event on Sunday, 16 July 2017 will be held at Hawkesbury Racing Club, and will feature silent auctions, raffles and a Fashions on the Field competition.

“We would love people to come out to Hawkesbury Race Course on Sunday, 16 July 2017 to have fun, enjoy good food and drink, and help support a wonderful charity in Beards of Hope,” Smith said.

If you, or your club wants to get involved with the Beards of Hope charity check out their website for more information.