Australia’s largest breast cancer fundraiser, the Mother’s Day Classic, is donating $900,000 for vital research to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of breast cancer in an Australian first virtual campaign.
The Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) 2020 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) has taken total funds donated by the national event to nearly $38 million with every dollar raised helping to improve the lives of the 1 in 7 women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Mother’s Day Classic was the first national event to launch a major virtual campaign in response to bans on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zara Lawless, CEO of MDC Foundation said it was inspiring to see more than 50,000 supporters who, in unprecedented times, participated virtually in the event on Mother’s Day.
“The Mother’s Day Classic has always been more than the sum of its parts, it is more than a fun run and successful fundraiser, it is a community celebration that allows people to be part of something bigger than themselves and to know that, however they have been touched by breast cancer, they are not alone,” said Ms Lawless.
“We were always adamant that cancellation in light of the pandemic wasn’t an option. We took the event virtual to ensure that our community was kept alive, we continued to raise money for breast cancer research and supported people to keep active through what was a very difficult period.”
“The tremendous response to the virtual event exceeded initial expectations. We were overwhelmed by the support of our valued participants, sponsors and volunteers who united to make the first ever Virtual event a tremendous success. Social media came alive with people sharing when, where and how they are taking part in the Mother’s Day Classic and their connections to the event and the cause,” said Ms Lawless.
“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia and impacts on so many people. With the support of our participants, we are making a significant contribution to funding research into the causes and potential treatments of breast cancer,” Ms Lawless said.
Professor Sarah Hosking, NBCF Chief Executive Officer thanked Women in Super and the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation and said, “The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) has been extremely privileged to partner with the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic for this iconic event for 23 years.”
This immense support has led to nearly $38 million being donated since 1998.
“These donations have helped NBCF fund life changing breast cancer research to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, while also ensuring that those affected have a better quality of life.”
Following the success of the first virtual Mother’s Day Classic in 2020, the MDC Foundation has announced that the Mother’s Day Classic LOCAL 2021 will take place on Sunday 9 May in hundreds of locations across capital cities, regional centres and remote towns within Australia. The Mother’s Day Classic LOCAL will combine the flexibility of a virtual fun-run or walk with the community atmosphere seen at physical Mother’s Day Classic events.
For all media enquiries, images and interviews please contact:
Kate O’Farrell
M 0412 880 996
E kofarrell@mothersdayclassic.com.au
Founded by: Women in Super (WIS) is a national member organisation consisting of women working in the superannuation and related financial services industries. WIS cares about the health of women as well as their financial wellbeing and in 1998 established the Mother’s Day Classic, an event which has become the single largest donor to the NBCF.
NBCF: The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Australia’s leading national body funding game-changing breast cancer research with money raised entirely by the Australian public.
We receive no government funding. What we do, would not be possible without the support and generosity of people and organisations like YOU. Our mission is simple: stop deaths from breast cancer. How? By identifying, funding and championing world-class research – research that will help us detect tumours earlier, improve treatment outcomes, and ultimately – save lives. To date, NBCF has raised over $181 million to fund 556 world-class breast cancer research projects in Australia.
ME: Proud major sponsor – We believe every Australian should live the best life they can, which is why we’ve sponsored the Mother’s Day Classic since 2005. Meet the bank in the fight against breast cancer at mebank.com.au.
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