No wrapping required for gifts that keep on giving – Heather & Craig share their wedding story Posted on May 13, 2015April 19, 2018 by Carly du Toit With many modern couples now living together and making a home before they tie the knot, some are starting to think creatively about wedding gift ideas. If you are one of these couples who are newly engaged (congratulations!) and wondering whether you really need another toaster, we have a story to share with you that might inspire you to do something a little different at your wedding. Heather and Craig met each other a lifetime ago. They both had families and were living happily, separately, in rural NSW. When cancer claimed the lives of Craig’s late wife and Heather’s mother, they didn’t yet have each other to lean on. But a stroke of fate brought the two together, and they discovered an unmistakable connection. It was at a food and wine ball in their hometown that they started a conversation that would turn into something completely unexpected. Their budding relationship brought two families together and challenged the grief that cancer left behind with new love. Craig’s timing was perfect. He took Heather up in a helicopter and as they flew over a stunning view of Hillgrove, he proposed. They were married at their house in Glenn Innes and started a new chapter in both their lives. To remember the loved ones they had lost, Heather and Craig created a Memory Well at the wedding where guests could donate to cancer research. Heather and Craig’s wedding donations idea was a celebration of not just their love, but for the love of those who surround them and those who have shaped their lives. “We would love other people to do the same thing. We have lost family members to cancer so to us there is no greater gift than a world without cancer.” If you want to invest in the future of your loved ones at your wedding by funding cancer research – either in lieu of gifts, or wedding favours (bonbonniere) – you can find more information here: https://acrf.com.au/wedding-donations Share your story
Cara and Chey's special day Posted on April 15, 2011February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit On March 5th 2011 Cara Hogan and Chey Fisher were married amongst 110 of their family and friends. As part of their special day they chose to support cancer research. At just 15, Cara was diagnosed with cancer, and after 14 months of treatment she was in remission from the Ewing Sarcoma she had battled. To this day she remains cancer free but cancer research will always be a cause close to her heart. In planning their wedding both Cara and Chey “felt guilty” about the amount of money being spent on one day and wanted to find a way to give back. Their personal connection to cancer and the fact that every dollar of every donation goes to cancer research led them to donate to cancer research in place of gifts for their guests. Both Cara and Chey preferred to offer guests something meaningful rather than chocolates or ornaments that may not be used. Continue reading “Cara and Chey's special day”
Wedding bonbonniere with a difference Posted on October 6, 2010February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit The wedding of Josie Standing and Ashley Pobje was a perfect day of celebration with family and friends on October 3rd 2010. Both Josie and Ashley have a family history of cancer and chose to support cancer research as part of their big day. Rather than giving the traditional lollies as gifts to their guests – they chose to donate to cancer research and give each guest a ribbon to represent their donation. Josie & Ashley were hoping this would make a small difference and encourage guests to think about donating themselves. The ribbons made a bigger impact than anyone expected. For one groomsman they were particularly significant as his father is currently undergoing treatment for bowel cancer and appreciated the gesture of a donation to cancer research rather than a traditional guest gift. Thank you Josie & Ashley for your generosity and for including cancer research on such a special occasion & we are delighted to hear about your wonderful day! For more details on how to support cancer research at your upcoming celebration visit Gifts to Cancer Research in Celebration.
