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They run marathons across the Antarctic, shave their heads, and draw on their artistic talent. They are the individuals, families, committees and businesses who share a common desire - to support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation in its quest to find a cure for cancer. And here are some of their inspiring stories...
The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) extends its sincere thanks to all of these people, for their mighty fundraising efforts! Tips and information on planning your own fundraiser for cancer research!
 Tassie Safari For Cancer Research.... ‘Wagons ho!’ In the true spirit of great adventure journeys comes news of the 2010 Australian Motor-home Charity Safari – which this year takes place across the top of the Apple Isle (Tasmania). Australian Cancer Research Foundation supporter Angela Hulme, 61, will make her debut at this year’s safari raising much needed funds and awareness for cancer research. A two-time cancer survivor herself, Hulme strongly supports the need for research into the disease, and is excited to be taking on the challenge of this year's safari in her “much loved” six wheel motor home. Warmest thanks for your wonderful support of cancer research Angie and wishing you all the very best for the big safari. Read more about Angie and the Australian Motor-home Charity Safari. |
 Courageous Kate's head shave for cancer research.... 'In support of all those on their personal journey living with cancer', West Australian Kate Roy-Chowdhury wanted help make a difference. 'Inspired by a brave family member and courageous friend that are dealing with their experience of cancer', Kate took it upon herself to organise a bumper fundraising weekend for cancer research. On the Friday Kate started the ball rolling with a massive fundraising BBQ, working up to Sunday where she went all out and shaved her head to raise even more donations! Close to $3000 was collected for cancer research over the weekend through Kate's absolutely stellar fundraising efforts, and we very much appreciate her support. Big thanks Kate! |
 This one is for 'Bumpa'.... Two young cancer research supporters Blaise White and Zac Dodds will soon head off on the challenge of a lifetime to honor their beloved late grand father 'Bumpa'. Alex Dodds (Bumpa), 72, sadly passed away from cancer late last year and now the two 16 year-olds have decided on an inspiring marathon walk to honor not only him but in their own words, "everyone who has lost a loved one or is suffering through this terrible disease." Starting on September 19, Blaise and Zac will embark on their a 400 km marathon walk - starting at Blaise's current home in Drysdale Victoria through to the location of his previous home at Tocumwal just across the NSW border. To read all about this great fundraiser or to support Blaise & Zac on their walk visit 'Alex Dodds Walk 4 A Cure'. Wishing you all the very best of luck for your challenge Blaise & Zac, and thank you (& your family) very much for your support! |
 An Epic Cancer Research Fundraiser.... First there was 'Long Way Round', then 'Long Way Down', and now comes our own Aussie version “Donkey & the Mule” - featuring local adventurers Dean and Paul Martinello. The two thrill seeking brothers are setting off on an epic marathon motorbike ride beginning in early March from Cape Town South Africa and then travelling for six months covering 40,000 km, across four continents, through 27 countries!! The awe-inspiring trip is in honour of Dean & Paul's father, and also to raise much needed funds for cancer research. To read more about this amazing adventure or to support Dean & Paul go to the full 'Donkey & the Mule' news story. Best of luck for the big trip guys, thanks so very much for your support! |
 Clothes, fun, girls and lots of shopping.... Sophia Brown, Alicia Clements, Anna Brown and Hannah McGrath make up Two Bucks ‘Til Wednesday - an enthusiastic bunch of girls who “collect and sell the loveliest vintage clothes and accessories to raise money for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation”. From humble beginnings of only 15-20 people at their first sale in 2007, the Two Bucks ‘Til Wednesday 2009 Winter Wonderland sale had hundreds of people lining up outside the door, selling out in 1 hour and raising over $5000! You go girls! To find out more about these vintage fashionistas visit the Two Bucks ‘Til Wednesday Facebook and Twitter pages. Read the full Two Buck 'Til Wednesday story here. |
 There's No Place Like Home.... Not only was mother of three, Jodi-Ann Goulter's recent family fun day a successful fundraiser for cancer research it also marked her celebration of a first stage win against cancer. An Australian expat living in Hong Kong, Jodi-Ann had been unable to travel to Australia for quite some time due to her ongoing cancer treatment. Recently Jodi-Ann triumphantly reported that her tumors were gone and she had been able to head back to Australia to celebrate with those she cares about most - her family and friends. To celebrate her home-coming and to raise a little money for cancer research Jodi-Ann held a brunch for my family and friends, raising more than $4000 for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation! Big thanks Jodi-Ann. We think you're just awesome! Read more about Jodi-Ann & her fundraising. |
 Let's Get Loud for Cancer Research... There was a touch of irony about the recent “Loud Shirt Morning Tea” that staff at the Environmental Services Division of the Sutherland Shire Council organized for their late friend and work colleague John Newman. Getting "loud" in support for cancer research, staff brought along yummy treats and their own collection of 'outrageous' shirts, raising a much appreciated $5334 for the Foundation at their annual event. Big thanks goes to John's family, Judy, and all the team at Sutherland Shire Council for their wonderful fundraising and support. Read more about the event here.
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 "Life is Beautiful"... Warmest thanks to Kerri & Paul Caspall of Aconite Jewellery for their support of cancer research through Aconite's exquisite "Life is Beautiful" jewellery range, incorporating a lovely 'awareness ribbon' design. When asked about their motivations for supporting cancer research through their small business, Kerri & Paul write that "Throughout our life, there exists the chance that cancer will touch someone we know ~ possibly a dear friend or even ourselves. Aconite is proud to support the fight against cancer, to help those battling or recovering from its effects, and all who wish to fondly remember someone they have lost." Thanks Kerri & Paul, we really appreciate your support. For further details of Aconite's "Life is Beautiful" jewellery range visit the Aconite Jewellery online store.
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 Claire's personal challenge for Cancer Research... In an attempt to break her long time inclination to absent-mindedly pull out her own hair, cancer research supporter Claire Fearon decided that a little bit of extra motivation may help her "kick the habit" once and for all. Claire came up with the idea to get her friends to sponsor her for a month of "no pulling", with proceeds of her sponsorship going to support cancer research "in order to try and help people who might otherwise lose their hair for far less trivial reasons". In an absoluetly stellar effort, Claire not only completed her one month challenge, but also raised over $850 for cancer research in the process. Many thanks Claire and warmest congratulations on completing your challenge, we're sure you'll soon stop "hair pulling" for good :)
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 Stefan Crosses the Line for ACRF... Long distance runner Stefan Quaid has finally achieved his year-long goal of running a staggering 1600 km for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation! Running most mornings, often starting as early as 5.30 am, Stefan's work colleagues, family, friends and local community helped him raise more than $3500 on his run for cancer research. Big thanks Stefan, what an amazing effort! Read the full story of Stefan's fundraising here.
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 SMP Memorial Golf day... With a few broken tees, a dozen lost balls, and some grass stained clubs, the SMP Memorial Golf Day was a great success.
Held by a contingent of ACRF supporters to remember a brother, friend, and mate Steve Patterson, the brilliant day raised a significant amount of funds in support of cancer research. Top marks to ACRF supporter Warren Preston for putting together such a terrific event, and many thanks to all the players and sponsors.
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 A Wedding with a Difference... Loving newly weds Roz Luce and Ian Dick tied the knot with a difference when they married in Perth recently. Instead of traditional wedding presents the pair invited guests to donate to cancer research in their honor. When asked about their reasons for requesting their wedding guests support cancer research in place of wedding gifts Roz said “My father passed away 3 years ago of a glyoblastoma and we decided this was the best way to remember Dad. It is also great knowing it will assist in something really important and is certainly more beneficial than receiving a hundred kitchen appliances that we don’t need.” Warmest congratulations and thanks Roz and Ian, we greatly appreciate you choosing to support cancer research on your special day. Read full story here.
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 Having a ball for ACRF... For what chief organizer Carmel McMahon describes a “just a backyard affair”, her annual fundraising dinner for cancer research is now a much looked forward to fixture on the Brisbane social calendar and continues to grow each year. This year more than 90 people, aged seven months through to eighty years old, attended Carmel’s backyard “Masquerade Ball”, raising a much-appreciated $3500 for the ACRF. Big thanks to the ever energetic Carmel for her wonderful fundraising, and to all who attended this year's event. Read more about Carmel's fab 09 Masquerade Ball fundraiser here.
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 Little Joshy's Big Shave... Following a home haircut mishap by six year old Josh Gamble, who accidentally cut a lock of hair from his forehead, Josh and mum Rebecca were left with a dilemma - What were they to do to try and cover the new “hairstyle”? After a little bit of thought it was Josh who came up with the solution - Why not raise money for cancer research by shaving his head? The head shave took place on the last day of the school term, raising $450 for ACRF with the wonderful support of Josh's school, friends, family and local community. Big thanks Joshy & Bec, we think the new hair cut looks great ;o) |
 Let's Get Scary for the ACRF... Supporter Lucy Bordin held a fundraising event with a difference, hosting a “Halloween Party” supporting cancer research and celebrating the eve when the “vampires, zombies, witches, werewolf’s and monsters” come out in force. This year marked the second such event, which proved even more successful than the year before. A ghoul, err, great time was had by all who gathered to celebrate what is traditionally the scariest night of the year. Good on you Lucy, we look forward to next year's big party! |
 The Kids Are Alright... Proving that Australian Cancer Research Foundation supporters do span across all generations come our latest two fundraisers - Year 6 students Leela Bishop and Cartia Mallan. Wanting to help in the fight against cancer, the two young girls took it upon themselves to make some yummy homemade treats and sell them around their neighbourhood, raising $177 for cancer research. Thank you Leela & Cartia, what a wonderful effort! Read the full story of Leela & Cartia's stellar fundraising here. |
 Patrick Swayze Inspires Action for ACRF... The death of Hollywood star Patrick Swayze inspired one new cancer research supporter, Melanie Heathcote, to get involved with fundraising for the organization. Many of Melanie's own family members have been affected by cancer and the actors death had been the catalyst that really "mobilized her into action". Melanie held a BBQ at her Mandurah home near Perth on October 31 for Cancer Research, raising some much appreciated $$ and awareness for the cause. Many thanks for your wonderful efforts Melanie, we really appreciate your support. Read Melanie's full story here. |
 From Little Things Big Things Grow... Participants got hot, sweaty and had a lot of fun at the ‘Workout A Cure’ fundraising event for Cancer Research recently. It was after doing a personal motivation course that new supporter Anthony Balsamo came up with the novel idea of an annual “fun, family charity event designed to improve fitness and create a sense of community while raising awareness and much needed funds for cancer research.” ‘Workout A Cure’ attracted 25 enthusiastic participants who certainly ended up a lot fitter by day’s end, and raised some great funds for the ACRF. Big thanks to Anthony, all the participants and event sponsors. We appreciate your support & look forward to details of the 2010 ‘Workout A Cure’. Read the full story here. Visit the Workout a Cure website. |
 All in the Family for ACRF... It was a real family affair for ACRF supporter Tammy Waughman, who recently completed the St George Melbourne Marathon for cancer research with a bit of help and inspiration from her dad and uncle. In talking about her reasons for taking part in the marathon Tammy told ACRF that “Cancer has hit my family pretty hard in the past few years, most recently my dad’s brother Andy. It was like a bomb had landed into our worlds.” Not only did Tammy finished the marathon well ahead of her expectations, she also smashed her fundraising target! What a fabulous effort Tammy! Big thanks for your wonderful support and our very best wishes to Andy. Read the full story here. |
 All Aboard for the ACRF... They did it in 2005, 2006 and 2007 now once again a group of energetic and compassionate Sydney bus drivers have mounted their pushbikes for a marathon ride in aid of charity. “Bussies On Bikes 09” was initially established by three keen Willoughby drivers who wanted to make a difference and more importantly to contribute to the fight to find a cure for cancer. This year 34 Sydney bus drivers left the comfort zone of their usual means of transport to undertake a week long trek to Canberra and back raising mroe than $40,000 for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and Canteen. Great job Bussies! You amaze us with your wonderful enthusiasm and overwhelming support. Thank you all. Read more about the Bussies on Bikes here.
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 Game on for the ACRF... "No 11" Legs Eleven, "No 55" Snakes Alive, "No 88" Two Fat Ladies... The air was filled with familiar bingo shout outs and laughs when a series of games was held recently to raise much appreciated funds for the ACRF. Proving the versatility of our supporters who use a variety of methods to raise funds for the ACRF, “Bingo Games & Afternoon Tea” was organized by supporters Neville & Marie Holmes in Rochedale of south Queensland. Big thanks Marie, Neville, Sharon and all who attended the games afternoon for your wonderful support. Read the full story here. |
 One Man's Walk Against Cancer Resonates Around the World... Veteran marathon walker Dave Wilson has turned a personal battle against prostate cancer into a world wide fundraising campaign in aid of cancer research. The very fit 72 year old Englishman, was diagnosed with prostate cancer about two years ago but was delighted to report recently that since then his PSA levels have continued to recede to a low level and that he now "feels great". Thank you Dave, your Big Walk is an inspiration to us all! Read more about Dave's Big Walk here. |
 Let's Rock for ACRF... The nation’s capital Canberra rocked out to the sounds of a huge benefit concert on Saturday October 24, all in aid of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. MEGAFAUNA '09 carried on the 'rock' tradition of the 2006 and 2008 MEGAFAUNA events, which raised in excess of $10,000 for the ACRF. This action-packed concert, held at 'The Basement' in Belconnen Canberra, was the brainchild of young music promoters Ryan Malcolm and partner Lachlan Paine. The duo presented a glowing array of young and old metal, rock, punk, surf and even flamenco musical acts to entertain a large crowd of Australian Capital Territory enthusiasts. Thanks Ryan and the MEGAFAUNA crew. You guys Rock! Read the full story here. |
 Pink & Yellow Day for Cancer Research... The small town of Grenfell (NSW) hosted a very colourful footy match recently, swapping their usual black and yellow colours, for pink and yellow in support of cancer research. The football club raised over $1000 for cancer research via raffles and collections at their Pink & Yellow Day, a truly mighty effort for the small country town, who only has 65 kids playing in their Under 7 to Under 16 teams. A very big thank you to the Grenfell Junior Rugby League Football Club members and supporters for their brilliant fundraising efforts. Best of luck for the 2010 season guys and we look forward to next year’s “Pink & Yellow Day”! Read the full story here. |
 Art for ACRF... Recently, Melbourne based artist Claudio Mantuano used his artistic talent to help a really great cause – cancer research. Claudio's solo art exhibition entitled “About Face’’ showcased his unique collection of paintings, photos and sculpture. With 50% of the proceeds donated to ACRF. The team at ACRF thank Claudio very much for his wonderful support, and also for sharing his beautiful artwork with us. We look forward to seeing more of your stunning work in the future Claudio! Read more here |
 Knox Old Boys Tribute... Members of the Knox Old Boys Rugby Club showed their more sensitive side recently when they held a benefit game in honor of one of their biggest supporters. The old boys, whose club is based in Wahroonga North Sydney, held a memorial match and fundraiser for their Knox Grammer School friend and staunch supporter Mr. Po Mar. Five Knox Old Boys teams had matches on the day, playing against the Kings Old Boys Rugby Club. It was also the team’s annual Ladies Day. Warmest thanks to the Knox Old Boys Rugby Club and all their supporters, we wish you every success for the coming season. Read more about the tribute match here |
 Cocktails for Cancer... Locals in the small Western Australian mining town of Newman gathered recently for a cocktail party to mark the passing of a "valued friend and brother" and at the same time also to aid cancer research. "Cocktails for Cancer", was organized by Chantelle 'Channy' Smoor and Sheree Clark to honour Chantelle's brother John Simpson, who recently passed away from the cancer Rhabdomyosarcoma. Determined to honour her brother, Channy organized the cocktail event in Newman, a town of 8000 residents in outback WA, raising a staggering $25,443.95. Big thanks Channy, Sheree and all our super supporters in Newman, what a brilliant fundraising effort! Read full story here
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 Passion for Fashion... The entrepreneurial young student Mikaela Hiew organised MUSE 09 to celebrate the memory of her grandmother who sadly passed away from cancer in 2007 and to raise money for cancer research. This was Mikaela’s second fashion show and was on top of her Year 12 study workload. Over 500 people attended the event and an amazing $10,000 was raised for the ACRF. Thanks go to Mikaela, her mother Annette and to all their supporters. Read more here |
 Bake off extravaganza... Staff members from Sakata Victoria have recently held a delicious Bake Off to raise monies for cancer research. Different flavours of cakes and other preparations made up a colourful yummy feast. It took place over three shifts, catering to 250 people between part-time and full-time employees, raising a great $1,027.80. Deborah Kingdom from Sakata HR said they chose ACRF as the nominated charity for the event because they "know that ACRF will be able to put the money to good use." A big thank you to Sakata and its employees for your wonderful support! |
 Cancer Research Wins City2Surf... The Australian Cancer Research Foundation was well represented at 2009 huge Sun-Herald City2Surf marathon. 82 dedicated supporters ran, jogged, walked and "crawled’’ on behalf of the Foundation in this year’s event, jointly raising over $25,000 for cancer research, made possible through the incredible generosity of more than 700 supporters. To all of our supporters in the Sydney City2Surf, we thank so very much for such amazing efforts and results! Read full story here |
 Bernadette goes bald for cancer research... Western Australian Bernadette Johnstone pulled out all stops recently when deciding to shave her head to support a friend battling lung cancer and to raise funds for the ACRF.The former Scot called on friends from as far a field as Bridgetown Western Australia, Hong Kong, Port Headland and England, to sponsor her head shaving and they really came to the party helping her to raise more than $1500. Thank you for your bravery and generosity, and hey, you look great! Read more here |
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 Doing it big Greek style... A very special dinner held in Adelaide recently raised more than $2500 for cancer research. Greek mother Mrs Helen Polymenas prepared a special “feast” for more than 120 people in aid of the ACRF. A cook of great renown amongst her family and friends, Mrs Polymenas and her husband Christos have lost friends to cancer recently so they wanted to do something to support cancer research. Thank you so much to Mrs Polymenas, her husband, daughter and all the supporters from the generous Greek community. Read more here
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 Golden coins for cancer research….Water Corporation (WA) recently donated $1257.87 to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). Corporate Contracts Officer Lew Cornwell started a Charity Group - inviting employees to contribute a gold coin donation every Friday. At the end of the financial year, Mr Cornwell sent an email to the group asking for suggestions of potential charities to receive the accumulated funds. The ACRF and 3 other charities were short-listed. After an employee vote the ACRF won! Thank you Water Corporation employees for supporting us here at the ACRF! |
 On the Run for ACRF…. Record numbers of ACRF supporters have recently been raising much-needed funds for the organization and staying fit and healthy at the same time. For our supporters, the reasons for participating in this year’s Run Melbourne and Sydney Morning Herald Half (SMH) Marathon were many. Some supporters were running in memory of family members that had sadly passed away from cancer, others in support of friends/family currently undergoing cancer treatment, and some in celebration of friends/family overcoming cancer and going into remission. There were even a number of lovely supporters that simply chose to support cancer research in an effort “do their bit” to help find a cure for the disease that affects so many around the world. A very big thank you to everyone that took part in this year’s SMH Half Marathon and Run Melbourne marathon, as well as to all of their supporters and sponsors. We are so very grateful for your energetic support! Read the full story here |
 ACRF benefit concert rocks Colac.... Musicians from around the Victorian Western Districts town of Colac united forces to perform at a recent benefit concert in aid of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). Local ACRF supporter and music lover Sheila Johnson said she had organized a young performers’ concert to pay tribute to her husband Antony who died from cancer eight years ago. Warmest thanks to Sheila, Dylan, Toby and Katie, to all of the talented artists that performed at the event, and all of the lovely event sponsors and supporters. We greatly appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Looking forward to the next big event! Read more here
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 Crossing for Cancer.... In a historic first, twelve brave Paddlers paddled two OC6 outrigger canoes 378KM across treacherous Bass Strait from Victoria to Tasmania recently to raise awareness and money for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and collected more than $20,000! Taking 11 event filled days, the crossing saw the two teams of six battle huge waves, wild seas and encounter startled sharks and giant albatross. The crossing honoured two men – Peter Corbishley (renowned builder and racer of outrigger canoes), who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkinson's Lymphoma last year, and Chris Robinson (paddler and renowned environmental activist), who sadly lost his battle with cancer this year. A very big thank you to everyone involved. Special thanks to the courageous paddler team: Brendon, Peter, Colin, Lisa, Marie, Chris, Jason, Terrence, Gert, John, Ian, Alison and Marcel! What a tremendous achievement! Read the Full Story |
 Personal Journey Motivates Penny.... A personal cancer battle provided added impetus for one passionate Sydney woman to raise funds for cancer research – Penny Bauer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, has been raising funds for cancer research since October 2005 by hosting jewellery parties and selling jewellery. Visiting the ACRF offices recently, Penny told of her battle with cancer and determination to support other women with breast cancer. Penny, your spirit and dedication is an inspiration to us all. Thank you.
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Warmest thanks to all of our super supporters, out there in the community raise funds and awareness for cancer research. These are just a few of their many wonderful fundraising stories. For more inspiring Fundraising Success stories click here |
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You can help us - if you are thinking about running an event to raise funds for cancer research, please contact Claire McArthur toll free on 1300 884 988 or email cmcarthur@acrf.com.au
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Every dollar of every donation received goes to cancer research
To make a credit card donation over the telephone, please call 1300 884 988 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.
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