By Dongyun Kwon
A family fun event will be held at the Dixons Creek Recreational Reserve to raise funds for cancer research.
Family Fun Fundraiser is an event which is organised to support the Cancer Council’s annual fundraising event The March Charge.
Cancer Council Victoria head of individual and community giving Natalie Gibbs said The March Charge is an online, month-long personal challenge that provides an opportunity for everyone to get healthy and contribute to raising funds for life-saving cancer research.
“Participants can walk, run, move solo or with friends or family anywhere and anytime during March,” she said.
“By taking part in it, you’ll be reducing your cancer risk, promoting physical activity and helping raise vital funds for cancer research, prevention, and support services.
“Participants can charge as individual or join other chargers and compete as a team by setting a kilometre goal and fundraising for Cancer Council.”
Cancer Council runs The March Charge not only to raise vital funds for cancer research but also to encourage people to be more active.
Ms Gibbs said one in three cancers could be prevented and being physically active is an important way to reduce cancer risk.
“The recommended amount of moderate physical activity per week for general health is 2.5 to 5 hours. This could be brisk walking, swimming, playing sports or dancing.
“Being physically active can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer, breast cancer after menopause and endometrial cancer, however, 55 per cent of adults are not sufficiently active.
“The March Charge is also a fun fitness challenge that has an enormous impact on how cancer is researched and treated. We’re calling it the charge effect and by joining us this March, people quickly learn what it feels like when a whole community rallies to support people affected by cancer.”
Sharon Chandler participated in The March Charge last year and wants to make it a bigger event this year.
She walked over 300km and raised over $1800 thanks to the help from the local community.
Ms Chandler said she wanted to make a family event so that everyone could have fun together.
“My son got diagnosed with leukemia, my dad had prostate cancer and my sister-in-law passed away from cancer last year,” she said.
“As much as the person who’s going through cancer, the family also suffers and I just wanted to make an event that people could donate for them but also get a bit of fun.
“All walking is on me over the whole month of March, but the event is helping for the fundraiser.”
There will be children’s activities, market stalls and bidding for silent auctions will close at midday followed by a $10 main raffle drawing with 12 prizes donated by local businesses at 1pm.
There will also be the hourly raffle which will cost $5 for two tickets and the hourly raffle winner will be able to choose a prize on the table.
Yarra Glen Towing will sponsor the barbecue and drinks at the event.
Showbags will be prepared as a gift for the first 100 children.
Besides the Family Fun Fundraiser, Ms Chandler has a kilometre goal.
“I’ve dropped my target to 150km this year because I’m doing the fundraiser and I’m also studying,” Ms Chandler said.
“I’ve set up $1000 as a target for the fundraiser.”
Cancer Council’s goal for this year’s The March Charge is to raise $1.97 million nationally and the fund will be used to support Cancer Council’s life-saving cancer research, prevention programs and support services for people affected by cancer, at every part of their experience.
“Anyone can get involved and there’s still time,” Ms Gibbs said.
“Set yourself a goal, get fit and fundraise.”
For more information about The March Charge, visit Cancer Council’s website, www.themarchcharge.com.au
