Australian Charity Events
Popular Annual Fundraising Activities and Promotions in Australia
Many annual charity events are held in Australia to promote awareness of a variety of illnesses and problems that would benefit from better community support.
A variety of annual charity events are held in Australia to raise money for better support services and research programs for various illnesses and social problems.
For these fundraising events to be successful, all of the following charities need community involvement and support by businesses and individuals registering to participate, sell merchandise or simply make donations directly. Event merchandise is also often available through major department stores.
World’s Greatest Shave – 13th – 15th March 2008
The World’s Greatest Shave raises funds for The Leukaemia Foundation. Individuals or groups can register to either shave or colour their hair or, for guys, to wax their chest or their legs to raise money through sponsorship donations.
Money raised goes towards research into the causes of leukaemia. It also provides support and accommodation for families close to the hospitals where children with the disease receive treatment.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – Thursday, 22nd May 2008
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is one of the annual fundraising events for The Cancer Council.
The Cancer Council encourages businesses, workplaces and individuals to hold morning tea gatherings where people who attend can make a donation while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and some snacks. Many businesses register and set up morning tea tables for customers.
Money raised goes towards further cancer research, support and services for those affected by the disease, and continuing community education on the prevention and awareness of cancer.
MS Read-a-thon - June 2008
Organised by MS Australia, the MS Read-a-thon raises money for research into Multiple Sclerosis and support services for those living with MS. Money is raised through sponsorship of school-aged children who register to take part in the MS Read-a-thon.
Students read throughout the month of June, keeping track of either the number of books read, or the number of blocks of time (10 – 15 minutes) spent reading. There are a range of rewards and incentives offered to children who complete the MS Read-a-thon. Students can register through the website or as their local or school library for registration forms.
Red Nose Day – Friday, 27th June 2008
A longstanding charity event, Red Nose Day raises money for SIDS and Kids, an organisation focusing on research and support for families affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Funds are raised through the purchase of Red Nose Day merchandise. These include soft red clown noses, pins, and teddy bears as well as large plastic red noses suitable for cars, trucks and buildings.
Jeans for Genes – Friday, 1st August 2008.
Jeans for Genes Day aims to raise awareness of genetic disorders. Fundraising benefits the Children’s Medical Research Institute to assist with genetic research projects and support for families of children born with genetic disorders.
Money is raised through the sale of jeans enamel pins and other merchandise. For registered businesses, donations are also made by workers choosing to wear jeans to work on Jeans for Genes Day.
Pink Ribbon Day – Monday, 27th October 2008.
Pink Ribbon Day in an initiative of The Cancer Council. The pink ribbon is a symbol of support for women who have been affected by breast cancer in Australia and internationally.
During the month of October, money is raised through the sale of promotional pink ribbon pins and wrist bands. Many products including chocolates, biscuits, bottled water, and bakeware are sold with a percentage of sales going towards the charity. Funds raised are used for research into breast cancer, support services for those currently living with the disease and community education programs.
These and many other worthwhile charities are continually seeking community involvement to help them provide the support and research needed to help families suffering from a variety of illnesses and difficult situations.
