One of the unique things about fundraising for Shake It Up is that there are so many ways people can participate. We are always inspired and impressed by the creative ways our supporters turn their passions into an opportunity to commit to a cause.

Brian is the founder of the DIGLIFE Australia Facebook group, a recreational metal detecting group, that hosts metal detecting treasure hunt events to bring people together and raise money for Parkinson’s research. We spoke to Brian all about these community events and why he is committed to making a difference.

How did you first get into Metal Detecting?

Growing up in Hervey Bay I always saw people metal detecting as a young boy. One day a detectorist gave me a $2.00 coin. Its a memory I’ve never forgotten. I eventually started metal detecting in my late 20s as a way to relax and take time away from my business.

Why is the Metal Detecting community important to you?

It’s always great to find and hang out with people with the interests. I’ve been very lucky to befriend some great mates via this hobby. I find them to eager to help me as they also want to find treasure just like myself.

Tell us all about your DIGLIFE fundraising events for Parkinson’s research! What is involved in them?

I traveled to England last year for a bucket list trip and the metal detecting Rally scene over there is huge. Thousands of people detecting at the same event over 50 hectares all in the aim to raise money for charity. This gave me the inspiration to make a difference here in Australia. DIGLIFE is a UK based Facebook group that raise money for charity so it was the perfect fit for me, to bring back to Australia.

DIGLIFE-AUS gives the opportunity for detectorists of all skill levels to find coins, tokens and jewellery at a seeded event on the beach. We ask for a small donation to participate in the event and donate all of the funds. We have found that a lot of Australian detectorists mainly detect solo, so events like this allow them to meet like minded people and raise money for a charity.

We mark off a area of beach then hide tokens and other finds in the sand.

The tokens give you a chance to win prizes at the end of the day. Token hunts are big events overseas so I hope to build these events to eventually go Australia wide.

Why did you choose to support Shake It Up Australia?

Having Genetic Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease myself it was a easy choice to support Shake it up Australia. I watched a YouTube video from shake it up when I was first diagnosed. I love the fact that 100% of the donations go to research and the administration cost are covered by the founders.

What words of advice do you have for someone else wanting to make a difference for Parkinson’s?

Just do it.

To make a difference in this world, all we need to do is start. It doesn’t matter if you succeed or fail as long as you give it a go. Eventually everything works out as long as you keep going. Yes, Parkinson’s disease is a big hurdle to jump every day, but with support from friends and family we can still make a difference.

I didn’t know if DIGLIFE would be successful or a fail in Australia but I gave it a go.

Now we have a Facebook page that is different to all the others as we are known as a detecting charity page. The support Shake It Up has shown has given validity to the page and people can see we are officially raising money for charity.

You can follow DIGLIFE AUSTRALIA here on Facebook to find out more about future events.

Make a difference this April for Parkinson’s Awareness Month by participating in fundraising and hosting a #Pancakes4Parkinsons event!