Community rallies together to help sick kids

Members of U3A Redcliffe Inc are on a mission to help end childhood cancer by hosting a fundraising event this May.

The group is hoping for a big turnout for their event on Saturday, May 14, which will include a morning tea, cent auction, a performance by a local children’s choir, guest speakers and a two-course lunch.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Institute – Australia’s only independent medical research wholly dedicated to curing childhood cancer.

Organiser Margie Woodhead is hoping for a big turnout on the day.

“We would love for as many people in the community to come and help us raise money for sick kids,” Margaret says.

“We are raising money for the Children’s Cancer Institute because no child should ever be diagnosed with cancer.”

Margie says the community has been extremely generous, with a number of local businesses, organisations and people donating prizes for the raffle and cent auction.

“Because we have so many wonderful prizes, as well as having the Cent Auction on the day, we will be having a raffle two weeks prior,” she says.

“We will be drawing the winner of the raffle on the day.

The event will also feature a fashion show, but with many people getting in early, it is already at full capacity.

The fashion show is being done by Pomme Vanilla who are based in Redcliffe, and Lady Claire, who is based in Margate.

Guest speakers include Claire Blake from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and Julie Cross, a professional speaker.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $38 per person and includes a lucky door prize.

The event will be held at the U3A Campus, located at 1 Irene Street, Redcliffe.

For more information, phone Margie on 0419 706 865 or Lee 0409 413 951.

How their donation helps

The Children’s Cancer Institute was established in the 1970s by the parents of children with cancer. 

The group understands cancers in children are quite different to those in adults, so a dedicated research effort is needed. 

Thanks to medical research, the overall survival rate of children with cancer is now over 80 per cent. However, there are still more than 1,000 children diagnosed with cancer every year in Australia, and around three children dying from cancer every week.

Children's Cancer Institute Chief Marketing and Fundraising Officer Anne Johnston says fundraisers like this make a big difference in finding a cure for cancer. 

“We cannot thank the organisers and community enough for this support," Anne says.

"It is only because of the community support we receive that we’ve been able to make the progress we have so far. And this support means we can continue to work towards finding a cure and safer treatments for all children diagnosed with cancer in Australia."

The Children's Cancer Institute's vision is to save the lives of all children with cancer and improve their long-term health.

Their motto is "It's not if. It's when". They believe a 100 per cent cure rate is possible - it's just a matter of time and effort.

About U3A

U3A (which stands for University of Third Age) is a worldwide self-help organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and wellbeing.

Here on the Peninsula, U3A Redcliffe Inc is the largest over 50s organisation for those who have retired or are semi-retired.

This volunteer-run organisation hosts a wide array of courses including various craft workshops, music classes, computers and technology, languages, as well as physical health and wellbeing.

All these activities provide members the opportunity to learn something new and connect with other people in the community.

Members also enjoy several social activities held throughout the year, including trivia events, bus trips, fundraisers and lunches.

For more information about U3A Redcliffe Inc, phone 3284 2687 or visit their website.