HOWELL, MI — Michigan CAT recently teamed up with MacAllister Rentals, SITECH Michigan, and the Operating Engineers Local 324 to host the American Cancer Society’s 3rd annual Big Dig event at the Construction Career Center in Howell, Michigan.

The Big Dig gives children and families the opportunity to enjoy equipment demonstrations, photo opportunities, and construction-themed activities that include operating real-life construction and aerial lift equipment. Since 2019, the Big Dig has been a part of the American Cancer Society’s Construction vs. Cancer initiative aimed at “igniting” the construction industry in the fight against pediatric cancer.

"We’re working every day to free the world from the pain and suffering from cancer, but we couldn’t possibly do this without supporters like Michigan CAT and MacAllister [Rentals]," said Carrie Franchi, American Cancer Society Associate Director of Development in Michigan. "Together with our partners, we hosted the largest Big Dig of Southeast Michigan event we’ve ever seen, welcoming 200 children and raising $75,000 lifesaving dollars."

To date, the Big Dig and Construction vs. Cancer have raised more than $130,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society’s pediatric research initiatives.

"We find it very rewarding to not only be able to help raise money for such a needed cause, but also to see the joy in these children’s faces as they are able to operate all these machines," said Brian Schulz, Vice President of Product Support for Michigan CAT.

Like most events since COVID-19 appeared, the Big Dig had to adjust to make the event possible. The first Big Dig focused on providing children and families that have been directly affected by cancer the opportunity to take part in this experience, but COVID-19 concerns prevented them from attending the 2021 event. Additional safety measures were implemented such as capping attendance and staggering admission times.

For the 75 volunteers comprised of employees and families from construction-related companies across Southeast Michigan, they said they felt joy knowing the Big Dig was helping introduce children to potential careers in the construction industry.

"Not only was Michigan Cat honored to be able to donate the use of our mini excavators and display some other equipment, but many employees also volunteered which is of course the secret to the success of any event," Schulz said.

The Big Dig event will return in 2022 at the Construction Career Center in Howell, Michigan. For more information, go to www.acsengage.org/mibigdig.

"Cancer doesn’t fight fair at any age, but it is particularly devastating for children," Franchi said. "Substantial progress has been made against some types of pediatric cancers, boosting survival for those cancers. However, there are still several types of pediatric cancers with low survival rates or no known cure. The dollars raised through Big Dig of Southeast Michigan will allow us to change the odds and fight back together."