Essendon’s Take Off Program has announced the second winner of its Take Off Program Platinum Promotion, with lifelong Bombers fan Cait McCloud winning $2,000 cash.
This program supports the Club's ‘Our Fabric Bombers’ Foundation, established to generate sustainable income for strategic investments aligned to the four key pillars of the foundation - Our Premierships, Our Heartland, Our Heritage, and Our Community.
The introduction of our Take Off Program provides our valued network of supporters with an optional platform to further their contributions to the club through tax-deductible donations. Those who purchase a Platinum Package are automatically entered into the Take Off Program Platinum Promotion giving them the chance to win cash prizes up to $13,000.
As a longstanding supporter of the Club, McCloud was thrilled to receive her prize from the Early Bird Draw 2 on Tuesday, June 30.
"As far back as I can remember I’ve been aware of the Bombers and football. I grew up spending a lot of time with my maternal grandparents and my Poppa was a passionate Bombers man, who played for the Essendon under 19s back in the day," McCloud said.
"Charlie Cameron lived and breathed his family and the Essendon Football Club, and I followed in the footsteps of my beloved and charismatic Poppa.
"He would go to the football every Saturday while I spent time with my Nanna who was not well and frail, and we would listen on the transistor radio and barrack and cheer. My uncle and cousins on Mum’s side were all Bombers, and when my Mum remarried in my teenage years my lovely stepdad Ian was also a devoted Essendon man, as were his 3 sons, so the family obsession grew.
"Watching the development of young players and having different favourite players over the different eras is part of the delight. Being a mum with young children meant I was less attentive but always an avid supporter and now in later life I find I am more loyal and ride the ups and downs more fervently.
"I have a group of girlfriends who are also ‘Bombers Tragics’ and I know that at difficult times in my life watching the Bombers, celebrating the big and small wins has been something that’s really kept me going – a bright light in my week."
"When I received an e-mail about the Take Off program, I didn’t hesitate to jump in. It paints a terrific picture with the four-pillar strategy focusing on a very holistic process. I especially love that the program pinpoints recognising past players and creating community programs to bring back the heart and soul of the club I remember as a young girl.
"The prize was so unexpected and wonderful, I may use it to help fund a holiday later in the year. But the joy of being part of a football community is the real prize and why despite the ups and downs I’ll be a Bomber for life."
