Back in July at the PFA awards, Jets captain, Nigel Boogaard won the 2018 PFA Community Medal for his work with Hunter Life Education.

The skipper partnered with the organisation, famous in the Hunter for their primary school visits with the popular giraffe, Healthy Harold.

The focus of Boogaard’s partnership with Hunter Life was the organisation’s ‘Ocsober’ program, which aims to raise awareness around drug and alcohol abuse related harm in young people.

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Hunter Life Education does this with the help of Healthy Harold and their travelling mobile learning centres, which have been famous throughout the country for their memorable school visits since the 1970s.

And on Wednesday, $2500 was given to Hunter Life Education by the PFA as a result of the PFA Community Medal awarded to Boogaard.

Speaking to the PFA back in July, the Jets captain said it was a cause he’d wanted to get behind for a number of years.

“I decided to join their Ocsober campaign last year, to help raise awareness and demonstrate to young people that without alcohol you are able to lead a much healthier life,” Boogaard said.

“Raising money was important in order to guarantee the education program would continue to be rolled out across the region.

“They’re in desperate need of funding so I thought if I could help in any way, I would be making an impact.”

Hunter Life Education Executive, Sarah Gray said the organisation was extremely excited to have Nigel on board with the Ocsober program.

“Not only was it for his awesome fundraising skills, but it is also really important to have the support of a community leader, especially in sport,” Gray said.

Nigel Boogaard with the 2018 PFA Community Medal.

“When children see a hometown star like Nigel Boogaard partner with an organisation like ours, it changes their ambitions and gives them a better understanding of what it takes to be an A-League player.

“Nigel’s message is clear: healthier life choices including diet, exercise, and avoiding drugs and alcohol will help you on a better life path.

“No one can say that better than a young persons’ idol and Nigel says it through his words, but most importantly through his actions.

“We are so grateful to be receiving the $2500 from PFA and Nigel. This will assist us to deliver our healthier life choices through education messages to more than 28,000 primary school kids in the Hunter each year.”

The Jets get Round 2 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season started on the road to Adelaide United on Friday, 26 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:50pm (ADST), with the match broadcast live on Fox Sports and the MyFootball App.