Earthmoving News

Digga digs deep in February

Digga will donate $10 from the sale of every auger sold in February to Ovarian Cancer Research.

Over the past three years Digga has donated over $235,000 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), a leading charity which funds numerous research projects nationwide. In addition, last June a donation matching promotion led by Digga helped raise over $315,000 for a Precision Medicine Research Project.

“Having reached $50,000 over what was needed to fully fund this research project was just incredible,” said Zoe Davies, Digga’s Deputy CEO. “A few years ago we were fortunate enough to see firsthand the potential of this research. It was incredibly satisfying to be able to fund this project and support the great people who are committed to making a difference to woman with Ovarian Cancer.”

Zoe lost her mum to Ovarian Cancer in 2018. Suzie Wright was CEO of Digga Australia and Kanga Loaders. A visionary who paved the way for women in a male dominated industry, Suzie was well respected for her business acumen as well as her generosity. Prior to losing her 15-month battle with Ovarian cancer, Suzie would set the wheels in motion for Digga’s growth. “We’re continuing her great work and her vision for the Digga and Kanga brands,” Zoe expressed with pride. Suzie’s vision for Digga is being overseen by Zoe and group CEO, Alan Wade who was married to Suzie. It’s a real family affair!

“Four years ago we lost my mum, it was only 15 months prior was she actually diagnosed. After a pretty short battle and some horrendous treatments nothing really changed the outcome for her or us as a family. It’s extremely important to us that we do everything in our power to help ensure this doesn’t happen to other people in the future,” added Zoe.

DIGGA X OCRF
Since the passing of Suzie Wright, Digga created a collaborative partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Since being established in 2000, the OCRF has grown to become Australia’s leading independent body dedicated to funding national ovarian cancer research.

For the past 3 years Digga, in collaboration with Kanga Loaders, have worked to raise as many funds as possible to support clinical trials and much needed research. In 2019, at the National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo and again at the HIRE 19 Tradeshow, Kanga Loaders donated and auctioned off two mini loaders. The machines were painted teal, the colour given to Ovarian Cancer, with the entire proceeds from the sale of these machines donated directly to the OCRF!

“Digga have always been generous with charities over the years but supporting Ovarian Cancer Research is our mission now. It’s a cause close to our hearts, so we’re really focused on making a difference for women suffering this terrible disease,” said Lionel Smitka, the Digga group Marketing Manager. “Too often, once a woman is diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, it’s too late, so I love the work being done on the early detection test. Initial test results have been amazing, so this could be a game changer,” he added.

Lionel went on, “Partnering with the OCRF has been fantastic, they are such great people who believe in what they do. Also, the incredible generosity of the earthmoving industry has been amazing, whether it’s purchasing a “cancer cap”, buying our teal Kangas or supporting a golf day, the support has been great.”

OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is held each year in February to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, to share the stories of real women affected by the disease, to highlight the risk factors for ovarian cancer and educate Australians on ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.

This February, Digga will be painting all its 12” and 18” A4TL augers silver to help raise this awareness, while $10 from the sale of every auger will be donated to help the OCRF fund research projects. Digga encourages all Australian women to learn about Ovarian Cancer symptoms; and if you can, Dig Deep and donate whatever you can. Remember donations above $2 are tax deductable!

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