A HANDFUL of brave souls are stepping – or, to be more accurate – dancing outside their comfort zone to raise money for a great cause, but they still need the community to get behind them.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
We have been running stories on the progress of the generous men and women who have put their hands up to take part in Stars of Orange Dance for Cancer, and will continue to do so right up until the big night at Orange Function Centre on June 2.
Remembering the routine is only half the battle – they’re responsible for raising the much needed funds to support Cancer Council.
Last year, the Central Western Daily’s own Matt Findlay got his groove on, undergoing extensive training in the art of pole dancing before wowing the judges to claim first prize on the big night.
He was chuffed – as well he might be – but was among the first to admit the bigger prize was the funds raised to support those caught in cancer’s claws.
Last year’s edition raised in excess of $125,000, a fantastic result and one organisers are no doubt hoping to better this year.
Cancer Council is 96 per cent community funded, so it really relies on these fundraisers.
And importantly, the money stays local.
It helps keep the doors of the city’s cancer care and treatment facilities open, giving cancer patients and their families support in a thousand ways those of us not going through ordeal of cancer don’t have to consider.
They might be small things, but in a time of crisis, those little reliefs can make the world of difference.
Because regional and rural communities face greater challenges in accessing quality health care, the benefit from these events carry more weight out in the bush – Cancer Council says for every dollar raised in a rural or regional community, the community gets a $1.45 back.
None of us have to look far to find someone in our lives that has been touched by cancer.
While it may be a cliche to say ‘every little bit counts’, it still rings true.
If you see one of the stars out in the community, gingerly asking you to buy a raffle ticket, give them a smile and make a donation.
And maybe ask them how the blisters on their feet are going.