Cancer Council Community Fundraising Awards – Jackie, Joel and Normand

Last week I was invited to attend a special evening honouring some of the most dedicated community fundraisers in Victoria, who work tirelessly to raise funds for Cancer Council Victoria.

From 895km ‘Fun Runs’, to trivia nights and dinners, along with gala fundraising events, each fundraiser was as unique as their events. I was excited to be given the opportunity to speak with a number of these incredible fundraisers, and am delighted to share their stories over the next couple of weeks.

JACKIE

Meeting Jackie for the first time, you can’t help but be immediately drawn to her energy and warmth along with her incredible strength in facing some of life’s biggest hurdles.

Having lost her husband at the young age of 57 to pancreatic cancer, along with her brother and a number of her friends, she was inspired to do ‘something’ to help battle the understandable grief that came with losing loved ones so suddenly.

Speaking with Jackie, I was overwhelmed by her generosity of spirit – still reeling from the loss of her husband, she was determined to try and stop others going through the same journey she had been put on. She believes that supporting Cancer Council Victoria and their research is the only way to stop the toll cancer takes on not only those who are suffering, but their friends, family and community.

A caterer by trade, Jackie came up with the idea of a charity fundraising night that would combine her love of cooking and entertaining, with raising funds for the Cancer Council.

Jackie’s event is at the Coburg Town Hall on Sat 16 April, with tickets at $40 per head including a sumptuous menu, soft drinks, entertainment and charity auction (BYO Alcohol).

Limited places are still available – call Jackie on 0422 172 826 to find out more and reserve your seat!

JOEL

Having recently taken up running myself (and struggling at every km!), I was in absolute awe of Joel after hearing his story. Having lost his best friend’s Dad Pete (who Joel looked to as a second father) in 2009 to cancer after a 2-year battle, Joel decided to turn his life around in honour of his lost mate.

Joel lost 40kg and decided to run to raise money for Cancer Council Victoria. And when I say run, I don’t mean completing a quick jog around the block – I’m talking nearly a 1000km in one epic journey to raise much needed funds.

Joel ran from Sydney to Kyneton in regional Victoria, a distance of 895km, to celebrate the life of his second Dad (who was born in Sydney and passed away in Kyneton).

I asked Joel what kept him running over that huge distance, when most would have given up. His answer was simple “Big Pete never let me down, so why would I let him down?”

His amazing run raised a whopping $34,000 for the Cancer Council – congratulations Joel!

NORMAND

Originally from Canada, Normand has been involved in both cancer research and fundraising for 15 years. His passion and belief in the work that the Cancer Council do, and his support for their work is incredible!

Normand is part of the “Climb for a Cure” team, a group of volunteers who have made it their goal to climb anything and everything in the name of raising funds for the Cancer Council.

In 2014, the inaugural climb saw the group tackle the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while in 2015 they took on the Mornington Peninsula Stairs.

I was so inspired by Jackie, Joel and Normand. Three completely different people, who have all harnessed their passions and talents in completely different ways to support Cancer Council Victoria.

I think it’s so important to hear stories like this, as so often the thought of just ‘doing something’ can become quite overwhelming and it’s often hard to know where to start. Take your cue from these amazing individuals – the smallest ideas can grow into something quite amazing.

Stay tuned for more incredible stories from the Cancer Council Victoria Community Fundraisers, and in the meantime, find out more about the vital work the Cancer Council is doing here.

Prue x.

Brought to you by Nuffnang and Cancer Council Victoria.

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