News

Limited Edition Friends of Finlay Sleeping Bags Available Now!

Published: March 20th, 2019

With so much more awareness and funds to be raised for Hepatoblastoma, the Friends of Finlay Camp Out project is far from over. We’re now inviting you to host your very own family camp out at home with our Friends of Finlay sleeping bags!

Our limited edition Friends of Finlay sleeping bags are available to purchase online, with all funds going towards continuing the important research into childhood cancer at CLCRF.

These sleeping bags are custom-made and can comfortably fit children under 140cm in height. Get your children one of these warm and cozy sleeping bags and they won’t want to sleep anywhere else!

Sleeping bags can be either collected from the Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation office or we can post it to you for an additional postage fee.

Find out more and purchase your limited edition sleeping bag today: http://bit.ly/2TEHkcU

2018 Southwest Bike Trek raises over $35,000

Published: March 14th, 2019

Kicking, or pedalling, off on Sunday the 7th of October was the 2018 inaugural Southwest Bike Trek. The bike trek started at Mueller Park in Subiaco and finished in Augusta on Saturday the 13th of October.

The trek was organised by Foundation member, Eric Maddock, with the help of Lions and Rotary Clubs.

12 riders completed the 600km bike ride, raising a total of $36,376 to help fund important research into childhood cancers. This brings the total funds raised over the past 16 years close to $700,000!

Riders rode through the wonderful southwest towns of Fairbridge, Harvey, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River and Augusta.

Participating in the bike ride this time was Katelyn Lush, Executive Assistant of CLCRF. Katelyn diligently trained for several months with the help of Eric, who she thanks for taking the time to make sure she was prepared.

“In the beginning, I never thought I’d be able to actually do it and travel the entire distance but I am beyond ecstatic and overwhelmed to have reached the end with a fantastic bunch of riders and support crew,” Katelyn says. “You can do anything if you set your mind to it, I did!”

The riders were fortunate enough to enjoy lovely weather throughout the trek. “7 days on the bike and we only had a tiny bit of rain, which for a first-time trekker, was very much appreciated,” Katelyn says.

The team were overwhelmed by the amount of support they received from local communities of WA’s South West during the trek, who deserve acknowledgement.

“The support from all the Lions and Rotary clubs as well as the Binningup Senior Citizens, Mooba Coffee, Jarra Infusions, The Beach Shack Cafe and Swings Kitchen made sure no rider went hungry. It would also be remiss of me not to thank Bunbury Toyota for providing a support vehicle and PEACH for their funding of lights, first aid kit and signs.” Says Eric.

It was also great to see local schools getting involved, including St Joseph’s School in Waroona and Harvey Primary school who brought 65 kids and the principal for a bit of fresh air and exercise.

The Foundation would like to commend the efforts of all who participated in the Southwest Bike Trek and we look forward to another successful bike ride in 2019!

Email [email protected] to register your interest.

 

Dr. Rishi and his team get published!

Published: March 13th, 2019

The Foundation received some excellent news earlier this year that a manuscript from Dr Rishi Kotecha and his research team at the Telethon Kids Institute has been provisionally accepted for publication in a high impact journal.

The manuscript is being published in Haematologica, a journal for the broad field of hematology that reports on novel important findings in basic, clinical and translational research.

The manuscript came about from the team’s research project funded by CLCRF to identify novel therapeutic approaches for patients with high-risk infant leukaemia. The team has screened many new drugs and the manuscript focuses on how a particular drug, called Romidepsin, has shown benefits in pre-clinical models of infant leukaemia.

Being published in a high impact journal is important for scientists as it allows the dissemination of information discovered in the laboratory to the broader public of other scientists and other clinicians.

“Without this information being shared, it won’t be translated to the clinical setting. If everyone’s aware of the information that you discover, then they can translate it to have a direct effect on the patients with cancer.” Rishi says. 

Important research projects like this would not be possible without the continued support and funding from CLCRF. “Without the support of CLCRF, our program would not exist essentially,” Rishi says. “Without the support that we get, we just wouldn’t be able to conduct the research we’re doing today.”

The Foundation would like to commend Rishi and his team for this excellent achievement. We look forward to continuing funding the research project and learning more about their developments in infant leukaemia research.

Congratulations to the Raffle Winner!

Published: March 11th, 2019

Our ‘Lucky Numbers’ Raffle #47 (Permit No LS211271018) was drawn on Thursday 28 February. The winning ticket was no. 21042.

The Winner of the $15,000 CASH has now been contacted and is extremely HAPPY! Our next raffle has started and is drawn on 28 June – if you would like to purchase tickets – please ring our Raffle Hotline 1300 139 651 or head to our raffle website.

Thanks to all who supported this raffle and helped raised funds for vital research into childhood cancers.

 

 

Kai’s Big Gold Ball Announcement

Published: March 1st, 2019

After achieving huge success last year, the 2nd annual Kai’s Big GOLD Ball will be held on Saturday the 31st of August at the BelleVue Ball Room at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The ball was created in honour of Kai Nell, a brave little boy who lost his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in January of 2017.

The first annual Kai’s Big Gold Ball raised over $35,000 for the Cancer Council WA. This year’s ball aims to make an even bigger impact and all funds raised will be going towards the important research into childhood cancer at CLCRF.

Kai’s family, or #teamkai, came up with the idea of the Big GOLD Ball as a way to make Kai’s short life make a difference. Kai’s journey was one that touched many hearts and unfortunately, Kai and his family are not alone with their experience. By using his memory to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, #teamkai are bringing hope to children and families who are fighting the same battle they did.

Guests of Kai’s Big GOLD Ball will enjoy a delicious three-course meal, a five-hour drink package, live entertainment and a DJ. There will also be both a silent and live auction to add to the excitement of the night. The event will begin with pre-drinks at 6:30pm and will officially kick off at 7pm until midnight.

If last year’s event is anything to go by, this year’s ball is guaranteed to be an incredibly fun and meaningful night. We can’t think of a better excuse to get dressed up and go out with a group of friends!

Tickets for the ball are available here, with sponsorship packages also available.

Can’t make it to the ball but still want to support #teamkai? Donations to the cause can be made here. Please put #teamkai in the comments so we know why you’re donating.

Date:

Saturday, 31 August 2019 at 6:30PM

Location:

The BelleVue Ball Room, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth WA 6000

 

$12,000 Generous Donation from MSP Engineering and AGC

Published: February 14th, 2019

This week, CLCRF received a generous donation of $12,000 from MSP Engineering and AusGroup (AGC). This was made possible through an incentive scheme run late last year called the Six Week Crunch.

The Six Week Crunch was designed as a way for both companies to keep on track during the busy pre-Christmas period and was run at the CGP2 project for Talison Lithium in Greenbushes.

AGC’s site employees chose CLCRF as the recipient of their donation as a way to do their bit to help children battling cancer. The Six Week Crunch was successfully completed with all targets met safely, meaning both companies were each able to contribute a $6,000 donation.

“This opportunity brought meaning to work beyond just a normal day,” said Peter Davis, AGC’s Project Manager for CGP2. “We had the ability to contribute beyond that and give real meaning by making an impact on people’s lives.”

Andrew Rowe, the CEO of MSP Engineering, said: “We find an initiative like this to be very empowering. It’s a way of mobilising the guys and helping them to do something that’s bigger than themselves and the project.”

Ambassador Georgia Lowry and CEO Andrea Alexander were there to accept the cheque on behalf of the CLCRF and speak about how much these initiatives mean to the Foundation.

Corporate donations like this are so important for helping the foundation continue the ground-breaking research into childhood cancers. As a great way to boost employee morale and give back to the community, it’s something all organisations should consider.

CLCRF would like to sincerely thank both MSP Engineering and AGC and all the employees who made this generous donation possible.

Raising crucial funds in memory of three brave little boys

Published: February 2nd, 2019

The Februhairy Fun Razor, formerly referred to as Decembeared, asks men to grow a beard throughout February and raise money to shave it off at the end of the month. This Februhairy, Jon Wannberg hopes to raise at least $300 through their small office and with the help of friends in neighbouring offices.

Fundraising efforts by Jon and the CLCRF research project 3 Boy Legacy (3BL) have helped obtain equipment and consumables for ongoing research, which has greatly helped their team at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

3BL are always welcoming new fundraising ideas to further support CLCRF, having also held art expos and fun runs in the past. “I’m always looking for an opportunity to raise funds for children’s cancer research…” says Jon, “…whether it’s through marathon running in England or Sweden or growing a beard in Australia.”

In 1996, three young boys, Matthew Webb, Justin Ward and Ricky Wannberg, tragically lost their lives to brain cancer. To honour their courageous battles, the families established the 3 Boys Legacy (3BL), a brain cancer research project administered by the CLCRF. 3BL aims to raise awareness and funds for children’s brain cancer research, “led by Research Fellow Dr Peter Dallas.

“There have been steady advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of medulloblastoma, which is the most common type of childhood malignant brain tumour.” Said Dr Peter Dallas.

“Overall, there is currently unprecedented optimism in the childhood cancer field that new, patient specific, and more effective treatments for medulloblastoma will become a reality within the next 10 years.”

February isn’t over yet, which means it’s not too late to join in on the Februhairy fun! If you or someone you know has been growing a beard, why not raise some money in support of 3BL and take part in the shave?

More information about 3BL can be found on their website and donations to CLCRF can be made here – please put Febuhairy in the comments so that we know the donation relates to John. Thank you.

Smocked Dresses hobby raises funds for CLCRF

Published: February 1st, 2019

There’s nothing quite like a rewarding, fun and enjoyable hobby that takes your mind off the stresses of day-to-day life.

Whilst the majority of us may join the local sports team or take part in volunteering projects, CLCRF supporter Anne Chua’s hobby stems from her passion of smocking and sewing dresses for toddlers and young girls. Anne has utilised her hobby to not only keep herself and her little customers happy but also as a way to generously help raise money for the foundation.

All proceeds raised from Anne’s beautiful smock dresses go directly towards CLCRF’s groundbreaking research to combat childhood cancers.

For those who may not be aware, smocking is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric so that it can stretch. Smoked dresses are popular among young girls and are high quality, timeless and can be used for formal or casual occasions.

Anne has so far raised over $700 and says she will continue to donate the proceeds of her smock dress hobby to CLCRF.

CLCRF would like to thank Anne for her generous donation and her ongoing efforts to raise funds for the foundation.

CLCRF Joins the PayPal Giving Fund

Published: January 30th, 2019

We are pleased to announce that we have joined the PayPal Giving Fund, allowing our supporters to easily make donations through Facebook. The PayPal Giving Fund also gives our supporters the ability to use Facebook to set up their own fundraisers in support of CLCRF or any other charity of their choice.

This new service allows for secure online donations and there are no fees for organisations or individual donors, meaning 100% of the funds are distributed directly to the intended charity or not-for-profit organisation.

Innovations like this are important to help not-for-profit organisations survive in our increasingly cashless and mobile society.

“The way Australians are supporting their chosen charities is changing.” Says Elaine Herlihy, Director of the PayPal Giving Fund in Australia. “Charities in Australia need to embrace the opportunity that digital and online donations present.”

CLCRF supports PayPal and Facebook’s commitment to enable greater charitable giving and we are happy to be able to give our supporters an easily-accessible and uncomplicated way to fundraise.

If you would like to use the PayPal Giving Fund to raise funds for important research into childhood cancers, it’s very easy to do so. Simply click on the “create” button on the top of your Facebook page, then select the “Fundraiser” option. When asked what charity to donate to, simply search “Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation” and you will see our account!

“I’m there for you” – 9-year-old Ruben shaves his head to support his friend with Leukaemia

Published: January 10th, 2019

Ruben, from NSW, learnt that his friend was being bullied for having no hair – caused by her leukaemia treatment.

Devastated by what was going on, Ruben offered his support in one of the most heart-warming ways possible – to don the clippers and shave his own head! This was a big step for Ruben who previously avoided haircuts and was proud of his long, curly cut.

The shave took place a few weeks before Christmas and Ruben sent the photos and videos to his friend in a show of support.

Ruben’s dad, Paul, worked as an Oncology nurse and in the palliative care sector – and has raised his son to show compassion to those who are struggling with their health. Paul said that’s not the only reason Ruben decided to shave off his hair.

“Ruben decided to shave his hair in mid-December and really wanted to do it for Christmas,” said Paul.

“Christmas is a hard time for families that are suffering from cancer with all the hospital visits so he wanted to show his support during those hard times.”

Ruben was also inspired by Bolt –  his Golden Retriever crossed with a Labrador – who recovered from his own battle with cancer after surgery was performed to remove a tumour on his left side.

“I’m doing this to support all people with leukaemia. I’m going to shave my hair and wait until my hair grows back to support them and feel what it’s like,” said Ruben.

“I’ve heard (leukaemia) is terrible and I want to support them. I’m sorry if you have it.”

CLCRF would like to thank Ruben and his dad Paul for supporting children battling leukaemia.

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