Grab your socks and sandals, a pair of stubbies and your favourite bucket hat and head along to the Big Dad Out for a good cause.
Growing up in Bundaberg through the 1990s, Big Dad Out organiser Ryan Pearce said it was common for people of his generation to tune into, or attend, the popular music festival Big Day Out.
Now decades later, Ryan hopes his play on words will attract the same vibes and chilled-out atmosphere as Big Dad Out charity event makes its debut mid-September.
The inaugural fundraising event will help raise money for the Children’s Hospital Foundation and Beyond Blue.
Ryan said the idea came about after he posted a photo of “daggy dads” to social media which sparked the conversation between his online friends.
“I posted a photo of a bunch of men dressed all daggy going on a pub crawl and it (the post) received comments saying I should make it happen,” he said.
“But I’m in my 40s and going on a pub crawl doesn’t appeal to me now but I thought it was a good idea to raise money for some good causes.”
As a father-of-two Ryan said he felt it was important to show support for fatherhood, and encouraged both men and women to get involved in Big Dad Out.
“It’s open to all the daggy dads out there, male and female, especially those who use to go to the Big Day Out,” he said.
‘I guess Big Dad Out is Big Day Out in a tame sense, and definitely with big dad energy!
“Let's celebrate it while raising money for great causes.”
Big Dad Out a special cause for Ryan
Fundraising for the Children’s Hospital is close to Ryan and his wife Rhianne’s heart, as their daughter Mia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2016 and the hospital supported their family through the battle.
“I guess I was inspired to do this from our experience with Mia – to help give back,” he said.
“Dads, the paternal leader of the family, come in all shapes, sizes, and sexes.
“Rhianne is really excited to get dressed up as a ‘daggy dad’ and she has a bit of a surprise ready for it.
“We will have prizes for the best dressed dad and lucky door prizes.
“Whether you're a fishing dad, a barbecue dad or just a really daggy dad, we hope you can dress in theme and make it.”
Big Dad Out will be held on Saturday, 18 September, kicking off the charity pub crawl at the Railway Hotel from 1pm.
“It’s $20 a ticket to join in the daggy dad fun, with thousands of dollars in raffle prizes to be won thanks to the support from local businesses,” Ryan said.
“And if you can’t make the day there is still a way you can help by donating to the event online.”
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