A taste of hope Posted on May 17, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit ACRF corporate supporter, Bob Warner, is the owner of Betta Buy Wine. He has been funding cancer research since 2010. “Ending cancer is one of the paramount issues in health today. Sadly, I have had many close friends who have lost their lives to this terrible disease. Cancer can affect any one of us – children, the fit and healthy, and the aged alike. It knows no boundaries. We must help to bring it to an end. Here at Betta Buy Wine we thought it was time to, again, support our friends at the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) to help raise funds for vital cancer research. When we delved into the history of fundraising we found that many wineries around the world have been involved in raising funds for an assortment of different community causes. So we decided to source a selection of fantastic wines that are among the top boutique wineries in Australia. And to encourage people to support ACRF, we’ve discounted them. When customers purchase from this range, we will donate $25 from the sale to ACRF. I have been supporting the ACRF for a number of years because I know that the dollars raised go to where funding is needed the most. By supporting our wine fundraiser you will receive great value, and at the same time help end cancer. We hope everyone enjoys these magnificent wines and the goodwill feeling that goes along with supporting a worthwhile cause. I would encourage everyone to get on board and support cancer research in any way they can, because every dollar counts.” Bob Warner, ACRF Corporate Supporter – Betta Buy Wine
Celebrating a special group of people Posted on May 12, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit This week, Volunteering Australia are celebrating all the benefits that volunteers bring to Australia with the theme Give Happy, Live Happy. And we want to take this opportunity to thank all the ACRF volunteers who play a large part in our mission to end cancer. “There is so much more to volunteering than simply giving your time and skills to help others,” says Brett Williamson, OAM, CEO Volunteering Australia. “This week we say thank you to the six million Australian volunteers and celebrate that they are living healthier, happier and more meaningful lives by volunteering.” Associate Professor Dr Thomas Nielsen, University of Canberra, says “Volunteering is a core part of the community and plays a critical role in Australian society, and in Australia’s economy. Volunteers form a formidable workforce powering many essential community services and supports.” This is certainly true at the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Our volutneers play a vital role and so we are extremely grateful for all that they do. With their help, we can continue to reduce the impact of cancer by funding world-class cancer research. A special thank you goes out to the individuals that give their support in our office and to the ACRF cheer squad who encourage our runners at marathon events. We are also very appreciative of the amazing Cancerian Committees who host events across the country to raise funds, and to our corporate partners who volunteer their time to and share their professional skills. Volunteering is a positive and inspiring way to help any cause and your enthusiasm, positivity and a dedication are the only qualifications you need! If you would like to find out more about how you can volunteer with the ACRF, click here. To register interest for ACRF volunteering opportunities please email info@acrf.com.au or call us on 1300 884 988 to see what is available.
Jake takes on Mt Aspiring for cancer research Posted on March 29, 2016November 10, 2021 by Carly du Toit ACRF supporter, Jake Hesson, has first-hand experience of the devastating effect of cancer on families. He recently embarked on a unique fundraising challenge to raise funds for a cause close to his heart. “Almost all of us, at some point in time, will be touched by cancer. Over the past 2 years, this disease has significantly affected a number of my family members, as well as my friends and their families. I recently lost two uncles and an aunt to cancer and now my father is also undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer. I became inspired by the work of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and wanted to help make a difference for families suffering from cancer. My brother is a cancer researcher so I know just how important charitable grants, like the ACRF grants, are to the scientific community. I chose to combine my love of alpine mountaineering with fundraising and decided to take on New Zealand’s Mt Aspiring. Not only is this mountain one of the most beautiful in the world, it was also going to be a very physical challenge. I’ve been climbing since 2012 and have done a number of trekking trips. However, I had never climbed anything as technically difficult as this and certainly nothing quite as exposed! I did the trip with just one very experienced (and very patient) guide. The highlight of my trip was definitely the isolation, absolute silence and beauty of the mountains. One night I woke up at 3:30 am and when I stepped out of the tent I looked at the summit and the Milky Way. It was all brighter than I had ever seen. It seemed to be coming directly from the top of the mountain. My advice to others thinking about supporting cancer research is to just do it! It doesn’t matter how you are planning to raise funds, the important thing is to try. Every donation contributes to advancements in cancer research and the sense of achievement and pride you will feel is really worth it. I’d like to make a special note of gratitude to my employer, QBE (Australia) and the QBE Foundation for matching the sums I raised and donating almost $3,000 directly to ACRF.” – Jake Hesson, ACRF supporter. Thank you to Jake and QBE for their generous contributions to cancer research. Corporate Matching Schemes are a great way for you make the most of your fundraising efforts. If you have been involved in a fundraising event for ACRF, it could be worth asking your employer if they offer a Corporate Matching Scheme.
FDC conquered the Rottnest Island Swim for Cancer Research Posted on March 18, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Thank you to our corporate supporters, FDC! A team from the Western Australian construction business took on the 19km Rottnest Swim challenge late last month. Their swimmers – Mark, Monique, Sveta and April along with support crew Ed, Jason and John were all very excited to be fundraising for a cause close to their hearts. “A number of people in our office have recently been touched by different types of cancer. So we chose to compete in this challenge to support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation because they are committed to ending all types of cancer. We received wonderful support from our work colleagues, friends, families and extended community. We encouraged everyone we knew to get behind our team and help us reach our target by donating their spare change or coffee money to cancer research. Together we were able to raise close to $3,000 for a charity we value so highly. The highlights on the day were all of us working together and having a laugh, everyone was very supportive – team members and competitors alike. This made our experience very enjoyable and we have been talking about doing the race again next year. Most of us know someone that is either fighting cancer or has been directly affected by it in one way or another. With the shocking stats out there we are proud that we could do our bit to help researchers find a cure for all cancers.” – ACRF supporter, April Moir To support the team, visit their everyday hero page. Photo supplied by Aussies in Action.
Tony Cant Real Estate – Fundraising in memory Posted on February 16, 2016February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Hunter-based Real Estate agency Tony Cant will be supporting cancer research in honour of their founder, Ross Birrell who lost his battle with lung cancer last year. Ross’s son, John Birrell followed in his father’s footsteps as the Principal and Sales Consultant of the agency. He has pledged to donate 5% of the commission from each house sold in March to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. “I lived my life to make my father proud, and I like to think I achieved that. It was great to hear him say how proud he was of his kids, his wife, and his staff. Ross, in a nutshell, was an action man. He was an utterly selfless and giving man with an enviable spark for life. He lived by the phrase ‘actions speak louder than words’ and I like to think I can carry on that legacy. As the anniversary of his passing approached we decided to support cancer research because we wanted to prevent other families from going through the same loss. Ross tried his hand at every career under the sun before finding his true passion in real estate. Real estate resonated with his ambitious, enthusiastic and vibrant personality and with the help of his long-term mate, Tony Cant, he was able to set up two small businesses in Thornton and Medowie. All of our offices are doing something to get involved. We’re currently advertising our promotion in local newspapers, have distributed flyers and made letterbox drops throughout the community. We have also shared it across our social platforms, our website and on our email signatures. It was hard to say goodbye to my dad as he was my role model and my best mate. I am proud that the team at Tony Cant can do our part to end cancer in his memory.” – ACRF Supporter, John Birrell To learn about different ways your workplace can get involved with ACRF, click here.
Barbas & Zacári – Your time is valuable Posted on February 15, 2016March 19, 2018 by Carly du Toit ACRF corporate supporters, Tas Zacári and Emmanuel Barbas are two young entrepreneurial designers from Melbourne. They recently established a new watch brand, Barbas & Zacári which caters to those with a passion for minimalist style and gives customers an opportunity to contribute to the fight against cancer with every purchase. “To give back to a good cause and to do what we can to help, we decided to donate $5 (AUD) to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation for every watch sold. We are extremely proud to be supporters of cancer research and we can’t thank our customers enough for their support thus far. We are really excited to see what we can do in 2016,” said the founders. The brand promotes their watches alongside the hashtag #yourtimeisvaluable, to highlight the importance of cancer research and recognise that every hour we spend on this earth is valuable to each individual. “We think it’s marvellous that designers and young entrepreneurs are doing what they can to help us fund research into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all types of cancers,” said ACRF’s CEO Professor Ian Brown. Their first collection, released in December, offers five styles of contemporary and fashionable unisex watches that suit any occasion. For more information on Barbas & Zacári or to purchase one of these great time pieces, click here.
Lee Bektash is on the fast-track to end cancer Posted on January 26, 2016March 1, 2018 by Carly du Toit Lee Bektash is a Victorian drag racing driver for Team Mopar and he’s put his support behind the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. The Pro-Stock Star and his team donated their prize money from last week’s race at Calder Park to help fast-track better treatments and detection for cancer. Lee achieved the top speed of the Pro Stock Race, reaching an incredible 200.65 mph (323 km/h). “This is something that I have wanted to do for a little while. I lost my first cousin to cancer six months ago and our family had also lost another relative to cancer just last year. Cancer affects everyone and we want to be a part of helping to find cures so that as few families as possible are affected like we have been. The cures are out there, we just need to find them! We decided to support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation because it is a private organisation, relying on the power of the community in order to provide Australia’s best cancer research teams with the technologies and facilities they need to fast-track discoveries. I’ve been so proud of our team’s efforts over the last few seasons, we’ve had good results because of the support we’ve received. Our weekend at Calder Park gave us a great opportunity to put some money to good use – and there is no better cause than this! The ACRF funds and supports the analysis and testing of new treatment, diagnostic and preventative measures for all types of cancer. It keeps Australian scientists at the forefront of medical research and brings us ever closer to the cures. This is a privilege for the Team Mopar Australia crew, we put everything into our races in the hope that we can give something back!” A big thank you to Lee and the team for their generous support!
Help fund new cancer research breakthroughs with workplace giving Posted on August 6, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Now that the new financial year has started why not set up regular donations with an immediate tax benefit? Workplace giving is the perfect way to make a real difference to cancer research in Australia and as your regular donations are deducted from your payroll before tax is applied, you benefit too! There are many benefits to workplace giving or corporate giving schemes for businesses, their employees and the charities they support. Workplace giving schemes provide an opportunity for employee engagement, with research conducted by the Charities Aid Foundation indicating that companies who offer these engagement opportunities experience higher staff retention. It also provides a common, shared goal between companies and their employees as staff work together towards an important goal – support for cancer research breakthroughs. James Duncan, who is a current workplace giver for cancer research, explains how he made the decision to help his sister’s fight against cancer: “My sister had stage 4 bowel cancer that spread to her liver. I cannot express the affect it had on her, her husband and our families in just a few sentences; suffice to say it was profound. “The devastating events that occurred in the lead up to her diagnosis, her invasive surgery, treatment and lengthy recovery after diagnosis was an experience quite literally life changing for everyone – most of all my sister. “She has won two battles so far, though the effects are ongoing. Her physical condition will never be the same and her three monthly check ups are a nail biting time. Despite the experience, my sister is resilient, strong and an inspiration to us all. She has made positive changes to her lifestyle and is a long way off meeting her quota of meltdowns. “Workplace giving is an easy, simple way for me to make my stand against cancer. It’s easy to opt in, opt out and control so is a no-brainer to me.” If only 10% of working Australians made regular employee donations of $5 each week, their support would result in an incredible $260 million each year. Find out more about workplace giving here, or talk to your HR department about your options for workplace giving.
Hidden Door challenges help cancer research through corporate charity donations! Posted on May 2, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit It’s all about engaging businesses with their most valuable assets; their staff and their clients. And with the ACRF partnering with leadership and development company, Hidden Door, our corporate supporters can achieve this while delivering on their corporate social responsibility goals. Hidden Door allows organisations to provide corporate charity donations to world-class class cancer research in Australia through a fun, engaging and beneficial program customised specifically for their staff. The ACRF and Hidden Door have joined together to bring two great programs which, by raising corporate charity donations, will provide your team with a sense of pride while teaching them great leadership and team building skills. Continue reading “Hidden Door challenges help cancer research through corporate charity donations!”
Streetsmart Marketing helps “Secure the future” for cancer research in Australia! Posted on May 1, 2014February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit “Secure the Future” was a three day super-conference that took place in February in Sydney and Brisbane. In a massive act of generosity, the event organisers donated the cost of the base ticketing price to world-class cancer research in Australia! Mal Emery, CEO of Streetsmart Marketing and Co-Founder of “StreetSmart Business School” chose the Australian Cancer Research Foundation as the beneficiary of this event and has raised an incredible $70,000 through ticket sales, to help in the fight against cancer. Continue reading “Streetsmart Marketing helps “Secure the future” for cancer research in Australia!”
Workplace Giving Month Posted on May 30, 2013February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit June is Workplace Giving Month – a time for working Australians to help make a big difference to cancer research. Workplace giving is as simple as making a regular pre-tax donation from your pay which provides an immediate tax benefit. It also provides a focal point for employers to incorporate giving in the workplace: helping to achieve positive employee engagement, organisational culture and community impact goals. If just 10% of working Australians made a regular employee donation of $5 each week, their contributions would amount to $260 million for the charitable sector each year. However, only 1% of Australian employees currently donate to charity through Workplace Giving, which is much lower than other developed economies. That’s why, this Workplace Giving Month, we’d like to encourage you to either sign-up as a new ACRF workplace giver, or to increase your existing engagement with the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Continue reading “Workplace Giving Month”
Dolina morning tea serves up generous support Posted on December 4, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit The Dolina Fashion Group hosted their second annual morning tea last month to great success. ACRF supporter, Douglas Strachan, was inspired to start the morning tea at his workplace after witnessing some of the fantastic research he had been contributing to over the years. He explains “because I have gone through bowel cancer myself, since then I have been donating to give something back. I was recently invited to join the tour of the ACRF funded cancer research centre at Randwick, and was really impressed with at the amazing work they are doing there, so therefore I wanted to do something more”. With rousing support of his idea from his colleagues the morning tea has been a hit the past 2 years. Loads of staff have been in attendance to enjoy an abundance of delicious sweets – generously baked by their colleagues. This year’s event raised $700, every dollar of which is going to world class cancer research throughout Australia. Continue reading “Dolina morning tea serves up generous support”
Workplace Giving: Make pre-tax donations from your payroll! Posted on October 3, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Workplace Giving allows employees to make charity donations regularly through their employer’s payroll system. Part of the appeal of Workplace Giving is that the donations are tax deductible and deducted from an employee’s pre-tax salary – so staff members receive an immediate tax-benefit and many hardly notice the difference in their pay! Employers can also choose to match employee donations or to make one-off corporate charity donations, giving every employee contribution even more value in the fight against cancer. The most exciting part of Workplace Giving to cancer research is the incredible potential to make a real difference. Your donations will provide ACRF with the long term, stable funding we need to plan effectively and maintain our funding to world-class cancer research. Sign up today or click to learn more!
Larapinta Challenge: corporate leadership making a difference Posted on September 19, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit The inaugural Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Larapinta Leadership Challenge set off last month, combining professional development, cancer fundraising and one of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes. The seven day company challenge was set up in consultation with 3BL Group, World Expeditions and Global Leadership consultants. With a fantastic format in place, all we needed was a forward-thinking company to sign up for this fantastic opportunity! The challenge was embraced by Goodman Group. Goodman quickly registered four of their staff to experience the wonders of the Australian landscape and amazingly, they have now raised $30,000 for cancer research through individual and corporate charity donations. We are so grateful for this incredible effort! Continue reading “Larapinta Challenge: corporate leadership making a difference”
Corporate giving in QLD comes alive on the sporting field! Posted on May 21, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit The 13th annual QLD Corporate Games will finish with a bang this evening after a weekend of sporting enthusiasm, friendly competition, and of course, cancer fundraising for the ACRF. As the Games’ official charity, the ACRF is delighted to be attending the Corporate Games Cocktail party tonight (and speaking more personally with the many staff and company representatives now that they’ve hung up their runners and football boots). The QLD Corporate Games was a fantastic success! The ACRF would like to congratulate Walt Hiltner and Ellen Goff for such seamless organisation and for generating a fantastic community spirit. We also thank the Queensland government and the other major sponsors Canon, Marriot Brisbane, 4BC Radio, Scody and OKI. It was a pleasure to visit the sporting grounds at the University of Queensland over the weekend (a location in which we are particularly proud to have two ACRF-funded cancer research facilities) and watch the 5000 staff from the finance, mining, retail, tourism and government sectors going head-to-head for their health, fitness, and a fantastic cause. Continue reading “Corporate giving in QLD comes alive on the sporting field!”
Net Effect: A charitable winner! Posted on March 20, 2012February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit The much-anticipated netball ‘face-off’ between RailCorp and the Novo Rail Netters had everything a spectator could ask for: fierce competition, plenty of goals, a vocal crowd, and a fantastic charitable result, with almost $1500 raised for The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). RailCorp took an early lead in the match and despite a late challenge from Novo Rail, their netball prowess was not enough to claim back victory. The winner’s trophy was presented to Nazha Dablan, the skipper of the RailCorp team; however the real winner for the night was charity. $1500 was raised through this company fundraising event and is already on its way to ACRF. Continue reading “Net Effect: A charitable winner!”
