PSS Executive Officer, Kay Dunkley, was able to join the golfers for dinner in the club house and talk about the work of PSS, the benefits of peer support and what a difference the donation will make to enable PSS programs to continue and expand. On hearing of the successful outcome of the Charity Day, Curtis Ruhnau, PSS President, said “PSS values the support of VCGC, over several years, through their annual Charity Days. Their fundraising efforts are a further example of peer support, with members of the pharmacy profession providing funds which are used to support callers to PSS who need a listening ear from a pharmacy colleague, on what may be the worst day of their life.” Curtis also noted that although he is not a golfer, he can see how beneficial the VCGC is in bringing colleagues from pharmacy together for exercise and social connection in a pleasant outdoor environment. He said “All pharmacists need to include a relaxing and enjoyable activity such as golf in their lives to enhance wellbeing.”

The Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) is available to provide a listening ear from 8am to 11pm AEDT every day of the year. Call 1300 244 910 for anonymous and confidential support from a pharmacist colleague over the phone.
More information about PSS and some useful resources for pharmacists can be found on the PSS website at www.supportforpharmacists.org.au.
PSS relies on the generosity of the profession to continue its work. Donations to PSS can be made via the online portal which is linked to our website. Just click on the Donate Now button (www.givenow.com.au/pharmacistssupportservice). All donations over $2 are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

The Pharmacists’ Support Service is governed by representatives from the following organisations
 Australian Friendly Societies Pharmacies Association
 Australian Pharmacy Council
 Pharmaceutical Defence Ltd
 Pharmacy Guild of Australia
 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
 Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria Ltd
 Professional Pharmacists Australia
 Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia
 National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association.

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Recent trends have seen Australians switching from dating apps to running clubs, and this year participants in the Mother’s Day Classic will be lacing up for charity both in the name of love, and in support/memory of someone diagnosed with or having survived cancer.

Australia’s favourite fun run and walk, the Mother’s Day Classic, to be held on Sunday, May 12, has seen a 20 per cent increase in registrations to date, with 34 per cent of those registering to run, 25 per cent up on 2023.

Since the event’s inception in 1998 there have been over 1.6 million participants, and the Mother’s Day Classic community has donated $44 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to fund life-saving breast cancer research. Their contributions have helped increase the five-year relative survival rate breast cancer patients from 84 per cent to 92 per cent.

In 2024, the Mother’s Day Classic has taken a monumental step by introducing the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) as a second beneficiary of fundraising, aiming to increase the five-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer which is just 49 per cent.

With proceeds from the 2024 Mother’s Day Classic being donated to both the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, participants can choose to support and fundraise for breast cancer research, ovarian cancer research, or both.

One runner taking part is 12-year-old Sam Byrnes from Patterson Lakes in Victoria, with something special in his stride.

Sam lost his mother Jordy to ovarian cancer in October last year and has taken up running with the goal of tackling the 7km run at the Mother’s Day Classic, and fundraising for research into the disease that took his mum’s life.

Jordy is with Sam in every step of training, as he wears her runners in her honour, his motivation and inspiration to keep on running. Sam has raised more than $3000 so far.

Mother’s Day Classic CEO, Zara Lawless, said the increase in registration numbers is a great testament to the timely expansion of the event.

“2024 has already been a big year for the Mother’s Day Classic, with the inclusion of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation as a beneficiary alongside the National Breast Cancer Foundation. And the increase in early registrations is a positive step towards funding vital research for two of the most harmful cancers in women,” said Lawless.

“For the last 26 years we’ve been grateful for the contribution from the Mother’s Day Classic community, which has produced a remarkable impact on breast cancer stats. However, the job is not done, and we now look ahead to also making a difference in the numbers of the ‘silent killer’, ovarian cancer.”

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All proceeds raised during the month-long campaign from 29 June to 26 July are donated to the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation, which supports Australian women and their families through charity partners including Motherless Daughters Australia, Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), Raise Foundation and Dementia Australia.

As part of the successful Stand Up for the Sisterhood campaign, Priceline ambassador Chrissie Swan tapped her comedian mates on the shoulder, Dave Hughes, Nikki Britton, Claire Hooper and Lizzy Hoo for a one-night-only charity comedy show held last night at Melbourne’s Comedy Republic.

Priceline ambassador Chrissie Swan says, “What an incredible result from this year’s campaign to surpass our million-dollar goal. Stand Up for the Sisterhood was a joy to be part of.”

The Stand Up for the Sisterhood campaign asked Priceline customers to stand up and donate in store at Priceline Pharmacy or online for their chance to win one of 10 x VIP double passes to the charity comedy show, plus flights and accommodation.

Priceline Pharmacy store teams were key to driving donations, with the top three fundraising stores rewarded with all-inclusive double VIP pass to the charity show.

Priceline Pharmacy Head of Marketing, Gabrielle Tully says, “This amazing result wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful customers and committed store teams. We’re so grateful for the donations, especially at a time when Australians are experiencing cost of living pressures. Priceline Pharmacy and the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation are all about making others feel good, so what better way to do that than know you’ve contributed to improving the lives of Australian women and their families.”

The post PRICELINE’S FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN SMASHES MILLION DOLLAR GOAL appeared first on Retail Pharmacy.

The Guild is proud to partner with this incredible charity, which is tireless in its dedication to those with brain cancer and in supporting loved ones who care for those with this debilitating disease.

Having been touched by brain cancer in recent times with the passing of beloved Guild staff member Ann Dalton from this horrible disease, the Guild will be encouraging delegates to support this fundraising initiative.

“Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is an outstanding charity whose mission is to rapidly increase brain cancer survival and improve the quality of life for people impacted by the disease,” says APP2023 Conference Convenor Kos Sclavos AM. 

“I commend their work in research and clinical trials and encourage all of our delegates to make a generous donation leading up to and during the conference.

“The Pharmacy Guild has kicked off the fundraising by making a $10,000 donation.” 

To make an online donation, visit: curebraincancer.grassrootz.com/app2023-fundraising.

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TerryWhite Chemmart has long supported social responsibility, and as a brand have come together over the last 17 years to support the Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) – ensuring no one with ovarian cancer, or their family, walks alone.

Collectively the TWC pharmacy network has raised close to $1.76 million through various fundraising activities, helping Ovarian Cancer Australia to provide care and support for those affected by ovarian cancer and represent them by leading change.

TerryWhite Chemmart Executive General Manager, Nick Munroe said network partners are truly passionate of the cause and he is incredibly pleased that the network’s efforts contribute to the significant progress being made around research as well as critical support for women receiving treatment.

“I’m very proud to see the fundraising efforts of the TWC network.  This year we are committed to build awareness and support women to better understand the risk factors associated with ovarian cancer. Furthermore, to engage their local communities our network is planning key events and programs throughout the month,.” said Mr Munroe.

Each day in Australia, five women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and three will die from the disease, yet 31% of Australians say they know the least about ovarian cancer, when compared to other common cancers.[1]

Jane Hill, CEO at OCA and the recent recipient of prestigious Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Awards has overseen the partnership between TWC and OCA for the last five years and has continued to be impressed by individual pharmacies and their commitment to raising funds and awareness.

“We don’t know the exact causes of most ovarian cancers. However, we do know there are factors that may increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.  Thanks to TerryWhite Chemmart, our founding partner, we have been able to raise the profile of ovarian cancer, in the hope that more people recognise the early signs and symptoms.”

This February, TerryWhite Chemmart launched a further fundraising program with the aim to raise over $100,000 in additional funds for OCA. This new program is in partnership with over 16 industry partners who will donate 50 cents from the sale of certain products – again, raising funds and awareness to support OCA’s cause.

Ms Hill commented that the donations received through this initiative will help to fund more care nurses and counselling for women living with ovarian cancer and their families. It will also support OCA’s essential advocacy work to fight for more research funding, better laws and policies, greater access to affordable treatment options and, ultimately better outcomes for all people impacted by ovarian cancer.

To find out more about the initiative and to donate, visit www.terrywhitechemmart.com.au/health-information/ovarian-cancer

[1] Research undertaken in 2022 by YouGov – https://au.yougov.com/

Text By: TerryWhite Chemmart

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October is the Heart Foundation’s MyMarathon month – a month-long fitness and fundraising challenge that supports you to complete a marathon while helping raise funds for vital heart research.

Your can walk or run 42.2km either on your own or as part of a team with your friends or colleagues, and whether you choose to run it in a day, a week or spread it out across the month, MyMarathon is the fundraising race where you set the pace.

And while lockdown measures in some parts of the country may make it a little more challenging to get out and about, the beauty of MyMarathon is that you can take part anywhere – from your backyard to your local park.

For more information and to sign up to the challenge, visit: mymarathon.com.au

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In its 24^th year, the annual national fun run/walk for breast cancer research, has been revamped into a new initiative: Mother’s Day Classic Local, which will give participants the flexibility to choose their own distance and local location combined with the inspirational, community atmosphere seen at traditional Mother’s Day Classic events.

“The Mother’s Day Classic Local provides more flexibility for the event than ever, with a strong focus on uniting local communities right across Australia,” says Mother’s Day Classic CEO, Zara Lawless.

“You can choose to run, walk or jog in your own local area with family, friends, work colleagues, school friends, gym buddies or others in your community.”

Ms Lawless adds that this year’s event “provides the opportunity to be a part of an inspirational community, supporting those touched by breast cancer and raising vital funds for breast cancer research” in a Covid-Safe environment.

“In light of the ever-changing environment across the country, we can’t host traditional-style mass participation events,” says Ms Lawless.

“But we are planning to set up local locations across the country in metro, urban and regional areas where Mother’s Day Classic supporters can don their pink attire, connect with the MDC [Mother’s Day Classic] community, and do the event together on Mother’s Day in their own local area.”

Participants who register for the event will receive a limited-edition race pack and will have access to the Mother’s Day Classic portal, which features online content, including fitness tips and workouts, cooking and nutrition advice, health and wellness tips, and more.

The portal will also allow participants to track their training kilometres and fundraising efforts, with all proceeds going towards breast cancer research.

For more information and to register for the event in your local area, visit: mothersdayclassic.com.au.

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While the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted many fundraising events, locals are getting ready for the return of the Memory Walk and Jog event to Illawarra, which will be held on Sunday 21 February at Stuart Park, North Wollongong.

Participants can choose to take part as an individual or get a team together, as well as selecting from several distances – the 2km, 6.5km or 7.5km family-friendly course.

Funds raised through the event will help provide invaluable support education and resources for people living with dementia in Australia, their carers, families and friends.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of Memory Walk and Jog participants, Dementia Australia reportedly has a robust Covid-safe plan in place, which is expected to be adapted as required.

In addition to the event at Stuart Park, North Wollongong, a total of 17 Memory Walk and Jog events are planned across Australia in 2021.

To register for the event and for more information about the event, visit: memorywalk.com.au.

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