Specsavers has donated $30,000 to the Bradman Foundation on behalf of cricket fans who participated in ‘The Don Test’ over the cricket season.
In November 2017, Specsavers became the Official Eyewear and Eye Care Partner of Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricket team. The agreement gives all Australian international players and domestic umpires access to regular eye tests and eyewear throughout the season.
To celebrate the partnership, Specsavers issued a hand-eye coordination challenge to cricket fans, known as ‘The Don Test’. Inspired by famous cricketer Sir Donald Bradman’s practising regime, the challenge involved bouncing a golf ball on a cricket stump as many times as possible.
Cricket fans were encouraged to post a video of themselves taking part in The Don Test on social media, with Specsavers committing to donate $10 to the Bradman Foundation for every hit captured on video and shared online. Those who achieved the highest number of consecutive bounces each week also won a $1,000 cash prize for themselves as well as for their local sports club.
The Don Test created a stir on social media in a matter of weeks, with many cricket enthusiasts having a go and then challenging their friends and family to beat their score. A number of well-known cricketers also tried their hand, including Ian Healy, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja and Jackson Bird. By the end of the season, a total of 3,000 hits were captured on video, resulting in a $30,000 Specsavers donation to the Bradman Foundation.
The Bradman Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust, provides students with disabilities opportunities to experience sport with trained coaches through its CoverDrive program. The program uses sport-based activities and values to teach the children important social skills while having fun, such as playing together fairly, sharing, cooperating, being positive and having a go. It also helps participants hone their motor skills.
Rina Hore, the Foundation’s Executive Director, said the improvement in the children’s social skills had been very rewarding for everyone involved.
“I am ecstatic with the support provided by Specsavers through The Don Test campaign,” Rina said. “The funds raised will enable sufficient coaches to deliver up to 40 one-hour sessions of the CoverDrive program to over 60 students in 2018.”
The Cricket Australia partnership will continue for the next two years as part of the three-year agreement, ensuring the players are match fit ahead of each season and that the umpires don’t miss a thing on the field.
