What's On - Charities, Fundraisers, Sporting Events - Archives

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Note: Please check details with event organisers before attending.

 

Lindy Loo the Poodle Bear

Lindy Loo the Poodle Bear is the 2009 Charity Bear for Beanie Kids. Each year Skansen Giftware releases one very special Beanie Kid to help raise much needed funds for a worthy charity. $1.00 from the sale of every Lindy-Loo the Poodle Bear will go directly to CanTeen. CanTeen provides many support services for young people living with Cancer - by running over 200 camps, recreation days and programs each year across Australia. CanTeen believes that no young person should go through their cancer experience alone.

Lindy-Loo is available now for $11.99 from gift stores nationally.
For stockist details please contact 1800 063 664

Alternative Ride for Daniel Day - Family Day

Venue:Beach House Fitness Centre, Kawana
Date:'Saturday 1st November 2008'
On Saturday 1st November Beach House Fitness Centre, Kawana will team up with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to hold the inaugural Alternative Ride for Daniel Day Family Day . This family day of fun, entertainment, sport and charity will be held at Beach House Fitness, Home Central Kawana, to raise money for this very worthy cause.

The Alternative Ride for Daniel Day Family Day will kick off from 6am on Saturday 1st November with the commencement of the Ride. The Club will be open from 6am until 4pm for those wishing to take advantage of a complimentary workout. Activities will include a six hour RPM exercise bike marathon, a fashion parade sponsored by Lorna Jane and a delicious sausage sizzle provided by B Fresh Warana. There will also be the chance to scale the huge rock climbing wall, supplied by No Gravity, in the car park. Custom Choppers from Big Bear Choppers of Maroochydore will be on display, plus lots of other activities for all ages.

There will be free use of the all the Beach House facilities including Cardio equipment, workouts and classes, including exotic pole fitness and even a crche (bookings essential) between 10am - 2pm. There will be an opportunity for those attending to have free use of the Club facilities for just a gold coin donation at reception. All the fun and competitions won t stop there, a silent auction will be held, with all items donated by local businesses and even Beach House s own personal trainers will be auctioned off! Giving the winners the opportunity to pay their personal trainer back, for all the pain and suffering they have put them through.

The main feature of the day will be the chance to take part in the Alternative Ride for Daniel, an intense six hour team event on RPM bikes. So individuals or companies can go hard for this great cause, by teaming up to take part. The Alternative Ride for Daniel is a Cycle Class marathon on exercise bikes instead of motorbikes, so you can get fit and raise money for the foundation. Each team of six will pay $50 each to participate. Individuals can also become involved in the team events, by registering their details at the Kawana Beach House Fitness reception and will be introduced to their team on the day. This event is a great way to promote your business and raise funds for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

The Alternative Ride for Daniel will open to the public from 6am until 4pm to so there is plenty of time to support the day. Beach House Fitness Centre Kawana is located at the new Home Central Centre on Kawana Way, is fully air conditioned and has a private ladies only and mixed gym area. It also contains a boxing room, spin cycle studio, Vibrogym, infrared saunas, plus a full array of fitness classes.

As the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and Beach House Fitness team up for this event, they share a vision which incorporates a future where children are provided with protection, education and awareness of the dangers in society. All donations from this event will go towards The Daniel Morcombe not for profit Foundation and all proceeds will go back into the community to help protect our children.

A number of local businesses have already committed their support for the Beach House Fitness Alternative Ride for Daniel Day including, Hot FM, Zarraffas Caf Sunshine Plaza, B Fresh Warana, Big Bear Custom Choppers and Lorna Jane Sunshine Plaza. This day of family fun will bring lots of happiness, joy and excitement to the community that will honour Daniel s name.

The Alternative Ride for Daniel event is part of the Day for Daniel (31st October) events program. All money raised on the day goes directly towards The Daniel Morcombe Foundation. So for a fun filled day for the entire family come along to this great event and know that you are helping the Daniel Morcombe Foundation keep our children safe.

Lindy Loo the Poodle

Lindy Loo the Poodle Bear is the 2009 Charity Bear for Beanie Kids.

Each year Skansen Giftware releases one very special Beanie Kid to help raise much needed funds for a worthy charity. $1.00 from the sale of every Lindy-Loo the Poodle Bear will go directly to CanTeen.

CanTeen provides many support services for young people living with Cancer - by running over 200 camps, recreation days and programs each year across Australia. CanTeen believes that no young person should go through their cancer experience alone.

Lindy-Loo is available now for $11.99 from gift stores nationally. For stockist details please contact 1800 063 664

Run Melbourne 2009

Venue:Federation Square, Melbourne
Date:'Sunday June 28th'
Time:Sunday Morning
Fee:$40 entry and sponsorship
Booking:runmelbourne.com.au
Run Melbourne is a run or walk for charity taking place in Melbourne, at Federation Square, on Sunday June 28th. The Girl/Femail team are participating in the 5km walk to raise money for the State Schools Relief Committee Inc. (SSRC) which assists disadvantaged school children in Victoria.

State Schools Relief Committee Inc. (SSRC) assists disadvantaged students attending Victorian government primary, special and secondary schools through the provision of new clothing and footwear. Our charity of choice gives every child the opportunity to go to school and wear a uniform and attend excursions Opportunities that everyone deserves although most take for granted.

Run Melbourne is present by The Age and is for all fitness levels. There are three levels of the event: 5km, 10km or half marathon.

To Sponser Girl/Femail go to runmelbourne.com.au and please select The Girl Femail Team

Room to Read

Fee:For just $335 you could sponsor a girl's education for one year.
Booking:Roomtoread.org
Since their inception in 2000, non0profit organisation 'Room to Read' has impacted the lives of over 3.9 million children across the developing world, founded on the belief that 'World Change Starts With Educated Children'. In addition to building schools and libraries and publishing and distributing books, Room to Read has a sponsorship program for girls' education in developing countries.

To help 'Room to Read' reach their goal of positively impacting the lives of 10 million children by 2020, you can give a selfless gift this year. For just $335 you could sponsor a girl's education for one year.

Santa Run

Date:'Sunday 29th November'
Booking:Varietysantafunrun.com.au.
On Sunday 29th November, Variety will host the first ever Santa Fun Run in hope of attracting 2000 Santa-suited participants in its inaugural year, and eventually growing the number beyond 14,000 to break the world 'Santa Run' record, which is currently held by Portugal.

The 1.8km event has been split into two categories - Runners & Walkers to ensure suitability for all fitness levels from competitive runners and sporting groups to school kids and families. You can run it, hop it, skip it or complete the course in baby steps, as long as you do it in a five piece Santa Suit which comes included with the affordable registration fee. Variety are offer a special early bird fee of $30 for adults and $20 for kids under 10 years, for registrations by October 31st or $40 and $30 there after.

Touched by Olivia Foundation: Family Fun Fair 09

Venue:Timbrell Park, Henley Marine Dr, Five Dock
Date:'Sunday 15 November 2009'
Time:10am - 4pm
Booking:Familyfunfair.com.au
Celebrating the opening of our first all-abilities playground!

There's FUN for all the family:
- FREE kids shows featuring -
-Go! Diego! Go!
-Jay Laga'aia Show
-Heaps of amusement rides, petting zoo, pony rides
-Right Push skateboarding clinics all day and demonstrations
-FREE Kids disco
-Kids art and craft, fantastic prizes, face painting, crazy hair
- Sporting legends from Balmain Tigers and Sydney FC
-Great prizes - sporting memorabilia, plasma screens, box for a Sydney FC game
-Yummy food stalls, great coffee and gelato
-Over 50 market stalls - fabulous for Christmas pressies!

Comedy is King: An evening with Brian Doyle and Friends in aid of Down Syndrome NSW

Venue:The Westin Sydney, No. 1 Martin Place, Sydney
Date:'Wednesday 23rd September 2009'
Time:6:30 - pre-dinner cocktails, 7pm Dinner
Fee:$250 per person
Booking:02 8306 9555

Myer Christmas Charity Wrap

Venue:Available in all Myer stores nationally
Date:'12th Dec-24th Dec 2008'
The Myer Community Fund liaises with a range of Charity Groups to bring in volunteers to support the Christmas Charity Wrap Service for Myer Customers.

Myer provides all the collateral ie. wrap bar, paper, ribbon, embellishment etc and Charity Groups are invited to provide volunteers to man the Christmas Charity Wrap Bars.

Customers are invited to have their gift beautifully wrapped and asked to make a donation.

Suggested donations: $2.00 for small gift, $3.00 for medium and $5.00 for large gift.

ALL PROCEEDS RAISED ARE DONATED TO THE SUPPORTING CHARITIES.

Australian Regional Women Leaders Convention

Venue:Melbourne Town Hall
Date:'Tuesday 18th November'
Time:6.30 pm - 11.30 pm
Fee:Regional Women Leaders Convention Delegate Dinner Rate $125 pp or Non Convention Delegate Dinner Rate $145 pp
Booking:info@wtaa.com.au or 1300 138 037
On the evening of Tuesday 18th November, the fabulous heritage-listed Melbourne Town Hall will be the setting for a wonderful evening in support of drought relief.

Through extensive work in regional and rural communities, the AWLF has first-hand knowledge of the on-going challenges facing Australian families as a direct result of the worst drought on record.

As part of the Inaugural Australian Regional Women Leaders Convention, the AWLF and Ergon Energy will host a national drought relief gala dinner. Dinner entertainment will include a powerful keynote address by Australian Story s Sam and Jenny Bailey, various musical and comedy skits and a charity auction with all proceeds going directly to help Australian families aff ected by drought.

The charity auction has attracted the support of some high profile Australian s including Country and Western singer Lee Kernaghan, Director of Jimmy Possum Furniture, Margot Spalding and Chairman and Director of Hancock Prospecting, Gina Rinehart.

Comedy is King - An Evening with Brian Doyle and Friends in aid of Down Syndrome NSW

Venue:Westin Hotel, No. 1 Martin Place, Sydney
Date:'Wednesday 23 September'
Time:6.30pm
Fee:$250 per person or $2,500 Table of Ten, $5,000 Corporate Table of Ten and $10,000 VIP Table of Ten
Booking:Melanie Hendra on 8306 9555 or email melanie@internationalevents.com.au.
Richard Wilkins is the Master of Ceremonies, Alan Jones AO will pay tribute to Brian Doyle on the evening, and John Singleton and Craig Wing have already confirmed their attendance as special guests. The dinner promises to be a highly entertaining evening with performances from Leo Sayer and Glenn Shorrock and will showcase high profile comedians and performances from some of Australia's premier artists. All funds raised on the night will benefit Down Syndrome NSW.

The vision of Down Syndrome NSW is for children and adults with Down syndrome to achieve their potential to lead full, active, healthy, productive lives as individuals, family members, community members and citizens in their own right. This is achieved by sharing their experiences, expertise, resources and networks. Down Syndrome NSW provides information, support, advocacy, guidance, education and opportunities for people with Down syndrome, their parents and their families.

Culinary Couture for Cancer High Tea

Venue:De Nom @ RUBY RABBIT: 231 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 231 Oxford Street
Date:'Saturday, September 12, 2009'
Time:3:00pm - 7:00pm
Fee:$50 Per Head - Includes High Tea, Champagne, Entertainment, Lucky Door Prize Ticket & Gift Bag (Valued @ Over $200) with all profits from the event going to Cure Cancer Australia.
Booking:0404056393 or email HighTea4Cancer@gmail.com
The ladies of Sydney will be treated to an afternoon of Cutting Egde Australian Fashion, gourmet cuisine, express makeovers and special celebrity appearances all in the aid of Curing Cancer.

The lucky ladies will also be entertained by a Magician, tarot reader and burlesque dancers and waited on by muscly topless waiters.

We have a special sneak peek fashion preview for Australian Couture Label Gossip...

StreetSmart's Dine Out to Help Out campaign

Date:'9th Nov to 24th Dec'
Fee:restaurants add a $2 voluntary donation to every table's bill
Every single dollar collected is donated directly to support homeless refuges and charities selected based on their need and proximity to participating restaurants.

Last year, diners at 238 restaurants helped to raise over $260,000 plus $100,000 for Bush Fire Survivors. Across Australia, there are almost 240 restaurants participating in 'Dine Out to Help Out' in 2009.

You can visit Streetsmartaustralia.org to find local restaurants participating in 2009

National triathlon and multisport series, the Challenge Series

Date:'November 28th2008-April 5th, 2009 '
Booking:For entries and further event details, visit www.triathlon.org.au
Australia s newest national triathlon and multisport series, the Challenge Series, is ready to fire up summer, with the series kicking off at Adelaide s famous Glenelg Beach on November 28-30 2008, before touring around the country.

The events are aimed to appeal to everyone s sporting appetite and are set to attract not only energetic kids, but busy mums, stressed executives, pensioners, elite triathletes and even Olympians to the start line.

The three-day events see fun runs scheduled for each Friday, with the weekend incorporating races for junior competitors, an Enticer event for novice athletes, aquathlons (swim/run), as well as sprint, Olympic Distance and elite disciplines for more experienced campaigners.

The Enticer event is a new initiative, providing people with a less intimidating introduction to the sport of triathlon by way of a 400-metre swim, 10km bicycle ride and 2.5km run.

The Olympic Distance races (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) across the seven sites will act as qualifying events for the 2009 ITU Triathlon World Championships to be held on the Gold Coast next September.
Hobart hosts the Australian Championships in the Sprint Distance, while Perth doubles as the national titles in the Olympic Distance category.
Triathlon Australia s CHALLENGE SERIES

Adelaide Challenge-Glenelg, SA-November 28-30, 2008
Canberra Challenge -Lake Burley Griffin, ACT-January 24-26, 2009
Moreton Bay Challenge-Redcliffe, Qld-January 30-Feb 1, 2009
Hobart Challenge-Hobart Docklands, Tas-February 13-15, 2009
Sydney Water Challenge-Cronulla, NSW-March 6-8, 2009
City of Perth Challenge-Langley Park, WA-March 13-15, 2009
Geelong Challenge-Geelong, Vic-April 3-5, 2009

Yoga Aid 2009

Date:'Sunday 15th November'
Time:8:30am
Booking:Yogaaid.com.au
Barnardos Australia is proud to be one of the charities supported by Yoga Aid 2009, which starts at 8:30am, on Sunday 15th November, nationwide.

The crucial funds raised at this community event are vital to Barnardos Australia, as they allow the continued delivery of life changing resources and services to some of Australia's most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

Those participating in the event attempt to complete 108 sun salutations, which is equivalent to 2 hours of extreme yoga practice.

To support Emma of Barnardos Australia please go to: Yogaaid.com.au/emmalipscombe

Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

Venue:Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
Date:'August 1'
Each year, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) holds a Gala fundraising dinner as a tribute to the life and achievements of the late Dr Victor Chang, who tragically had his life stolen from him in 1991.

By way of background, the VCCRI, was established in 1994 to honour the vision and memory of pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon and humanitarian, the late Dr Victor Chang. To fulfil its mission it strives to conduct the highest quality fundamental research into cardiovascular diseases, as well as playing a major role in disease prevention, in the training of cardiovascular researchers and doctors, and in the rapid transfer of new knowledge, treatments and diagnostics to the patient.

2009 marks the 15th Anniversary of the VCCRI s estabIishment. In those 15 years the VCCRI has become nationally and internationally recognized as a center-of-excellence in heart research. Heart disease, unfortunately, does not attract the same media and celebrity attention as cancer and yet it remains Australia s Number 1 killer and a little known fact is that four times more women die of heart disease compared to breast cancer.

We have in the past been most privileged to have had a number of very special people attend these Victor Chang Day functions people who have recognised Victor s humanitarian and pioneering work. This year we have invited the Hon Kevin Rudd, MP, Prime Minister to be our Guest-of-Honour.

We are hoping around 500 guests will attend this very special Gala Black Tie fundraiser which will be held on August 1, in the Parkside ballroom at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Date:'February 2009'
Booking:For More Information www.ovariancancer.net.au
Every year in Australia it is estimated that 1500 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 850 women will die of the disease.

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death in women.
It is now more common than cervical cancer and it kills many more women.

About 75 per cent of women who are diagnosed will be at an advanced stage, where the cancer has spread and is very difficult to treat successfully.

When ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage the outlook is very good, with as many as 90 per cent of patients being cured.

There are no reliable early detection tests for ovarian cancer, so awareness is a woman s best defence.

Ovarian Cancer needs to be considered if a woman experiences one or more of the following symptoms more than 12 times in one month and therefore a GP needs to consider ovarian cancer as a possibility:

-Bloating, swelling and a feeling of fullness in your stomach
-Unexplained abdominal or back pain
-Feeling full / difficulty eating
-Increased urinary urgency

Bears Of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support: Family and Friends Christmas Picnic

Venue:Rouse Hill Regional Park
Date:'Sunday 13th December'
Time:From 10:30am
Booking:RSVP: toni@bearsofhope.org.au
On the day, bring along a teddy bear or purchase Sophie, our Bear Of Hope,to donate in honour of your baby at Christmas time.

McHappy Day 2009

Venue:In one of almost 800 McDonalds stores across Australia
Date:'Saturday, 14th November 2009'
McHappy Day is one of Australia's longest running charity events and it's coming up again this Saturday 14th November.

McHappy Day is the annual fundraising event for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) which aims to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families. In 2009, McHappy Day is aiming to raise $2.5 million for Australian families and your help is needed to ensure that this years' McHappy Day is the happiest yet!

With many of Australia's favourite personalities lending a hand, head to your local McDonald's restaurant on November 14 and you could be served your Big Mac by one of a host of well known celebrities. $1 from every Big Mac sold will go directly to funding RMHC programs, with proceeds from Byron Bay Cookies, McHappy Day Wristbands and Crazy Straws also going to RMHC.

The Mahli's Living Room Benefit Concert in Support of Youngcare

Venue:The Vanguard
Date:'Wednesday 18 November, 2009'
Booking:Mahlislivingroom.com.au.
UK five piece band Passenger, the already critically acclaimed Boy & Bear, emerging Sydney band Serenik, and Katie Noonan playing a special solo acoustic performance, have all been confirmed to play at one of the last remaining intimate venues in Sydney.

Mahli's Living Room, a charity event collaborated by a group of friends, is named after Mahli Cooper, a young Sydney woman who fell down a flight of stairs in London and sustained a serious brain injury. Some 15 months down the track, Mahli, has a long road of recovery ahead, requiring full time care. Like 6,500 other young Australians in similar situations, options are limited. The most likely option is to be placed in an aged care facility, where the average age is 86 and the average life expectancy is just three years.

Youngcare works to unite the community, business and government to enable the construction and operation of state of the art, purpose designed apartments that offer a unique model of 24/7 care and provides everything a young person needs to live the life that every young person should.

Craig Goozee's most ambitious ultra marathon departing Man O' War

Venue:Opera Point Marquee, Northern Forecourt, Sydney Opera House
Date:'Friday 29 May '
Time:7.45am
You are invited to attend the launch of A2B4C - Craig Goozee's most ambitious ultra marathon departing Man O' War steps Friday 29 May 7.45am.

Join seven times World Surfing Champion, Layne Beachley, who will be paddling with Craig, Rugby Legend, Phil Kearns and Dr Andrew Rochford, resident medico on Channel NINE's 'What's Good For You', who will be there to wish Craig, 'Good luck' as he paddles across the harbor to Manly, escorted by a flotilla of well wishers, for the first leg of his journey.

Craig Goozee, an ambassador for Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA), is not a famous athlete or celebrity. Yet on Friday 29 May 2009, he will set out on a three month 12,500km ultra marathon, starting at Australia Square and running, cycling, and kayaking around Australia to Bennelong Point, the long way round. Why? To honour the memory of his daughter, Jessica, who tragically passed away from cancer at the age of nine.

'This A2B4C marathon is the super-human effort of a dad trying to make a difference. He is an ordinary man doing something quite extraordinary,' Dr Clay, Associate Director at CCIA. Craig's journey will take him to towns all around Australia, returning to Sydney towards the end of August.

Wayne Bennett Fundraising Lunch for Compass Youth Education

Venue:Dockside on Cockle Bay Wharf
Date:'Friday December 4'
Fee:$170 per person and include lunch, drinks and the chance to meet Wayne Bennett and hear him give one of his inspirational public speeches
Booking:Trybooking.com/CIG before November 20.
Compass Youth Education, a charity program assisting hundreds of young Australians with their essential education needs, is hosting a fundraising lunch on Friday December 4, with Wayne Bennett, one of the most influential modern-day sporting coaches, as special guest speaker.

Compass Youth Education gives underprivileged and deserving young Australian students an equal opportunity in life and needs your support! It's about "leveling the playing field" for these young children.

10th Annual Pink Ribbon Ride

Venue:From Club Marconi in Bossley Park
Date:'Sunday October 24, 2010'
This October marks the 10th Annual Pink Ribbon Ride with female motorcyclists from all over Australia coming together in Sydney to raise funds for The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute.

Dressed in as much pink as they can find, over 1,000 riders will take to the streets on their motorcycles giving hope to those affected by breast cancer, personally and their families, as they raise funds towards the research into prevention and cure of the disease.

Starting in 2001 with just 300 participants, the Annual Pink Ribbon Ride has grown significantly over the past 10 years with last year seeing over 800 riders take part. This year's organisers, Girls Ride Out Inc, aim to hit the 1,000 participants mark and are encouraging all those interested to come forward and enjoy the ride that will not disappoint.

Annual Marc Stafford Health & Fitness Fundraising Event

Venue:Red Scooter in Balaclava
Date:'Saturday June 13th'
Fee:only $95 all inclusive: 3-course meal, drinks, strawberry daiquiris & entertainment. Major live and silent auctions, raffles & giveaways
Booking:www.cncf.org, www.redscooter.com.au/site/whats_on.asp, www.marcstafford.com.au
Annual Marc Stafford Health & Fitness Fundraising Event for The Christina Noble Children's Foundation in Vietnam.

It is a fantastic opportunity to dress up and have a bit of fun, and the best part is, it's all for a good cause. Help put a stop to the cycle of poverty, child labor, and prostitution by providing education and medical assistance for the children of southern Vietnam.

All the excitement is on the evening of Saturday June 13th and will be held at the award winning venue Red Scooter in Balaclava. Your MC for the evening will be Melbourne's most popular radio presenter Matt Tilley from Fox FM.



Guardian Angel

Venue:Guardian Pharmacies
Date:'1st June- 31st August 2009'
Fee:FREE
Guardian Angel, Guardian Pharmacy's national charity campaign, is set to have its biggest year yet with a new partnership forged with The Salvation Army.

Guardian Angel is a knitting program inviting knitters of all levels- novices and nannas, children and crafty pros- to pick up sticks, hone their skills and donate their wollen creations to Australians in need.

In 2008, 385,000, warm knitted garmets where created and donated.

Involvement is free- just head to Guardian pharmacys and pick up a pattern book and start knitting.

Spotlight has joined the campagin as a parner, supplying patterns and discounts on wool for Guardian Angel participants.

Very Special Kids Corporate Golf Day

Venue:The Victoria Golf Club: Park Road, Cheltenham
Date:'Wednesday 2 March 2011'
Time:7.30am Shotgun start
Fee:Gold and Silver Sponsorship Packages available

65 Roses Day for Cystic Fibrosis

Venue:from participating LJ Hooker offices, Big W and Ted's Camera Stores or make a donation online at www.65rosesday.org.au or call 1800 635 008.
Date:'Friday 29th May'
Time:all day
This Friday 29 May is 65 Roses Day. Cystic Fibrosis in Australia is conducting this national appeal to help children and young adults living with cystic fibrosis.

65 Roses Day is the primary campaign that generates awareness of the illness, raises vital funds to help people living with cystic fibrosis, and funds critical research projects in the quest to find a cure.

Cystic Fibrosis Australia's CEO Terry Stewart said, 'We hope Australian's everywhere will support the 65 Roses Day Appeal and help us to continue to provide specialised services to people living with cystic fibrosis and their families. The funds raised will also help support critical research projects into this debilitating illness. With the support of the community our researchers will move closer toward finding a cure,' he said.

On Friday 29 May, purchase 65 Roses Day merchandise including wrist bands, pins, pens and other merchandise.

Ambassador Virginia Gay said, 'I can't think of a more valuable contribution than raising money that will help give kids a chance at life. We can all give a little or purchase merchandise. We have the power to raise vital funds that will help to improve critical health outcomes for children and young adults and importantly, help scientists to continue their search for a cure,' Gay said.

Cystic Fibrosis Australia's CEO Terry Stewart said, 'There are children and young adults in every state and territory of Australia who suffer this debilitating illness. There is no cure. Only with the help of the community, can we ensure every Australian living with cystic fibrosis can have the very best care until we can find the cure. Australians are generous people and although these are difficult times, we still desperately need the support of the Australian community.'

Newcastle Fashion Week Fashion parades

Venue:The Store, Hunter Street Newcastle
Date:'September 23, 24 and 25'
Fee:$20 and go on sale on Monday, September 7
Booking:Proticket.com.au
Newcastle Fashion Week is the brain child of young cancer survivor and student Louise Mackay, 22, who was diagnosed with leukaemia four years ago.

Newcastle Fashion Week is devoted to raising awareness for the needs of young adults with cancer - all proceeds go directly to The Cancer Council NSW.

Canon Creative for a Cause

Venue:www.canon.com.au/creativeforacause
Date:'Open to entries on Thursday 28 May and close Friday 10 July'
Canon Australia has launched Canon Creative for a Cause, a national campaign targeting the thousands of Australian charities in desperate need of awareness and financial support.

Based on the belief that a single image can change the world, the campaign aims to inspire Australians through photography for the chance to win their nominated charity $60,000 and to become one of Canon's preferred charities in 2009.

The Canon Creative for a Cause launch coincides with the release of Canon's Charitable Giving Survey which suggests that despite being a nation of charitable people, Australians are shunning smaller causes in favour of high profile appeals, leaving our smaller charities inadequately funded and struggling to survive.

The survey found that large charities are receiving on average 34 times the amount of funding through donations than smaller charities each year. This translates on average to $5.6 million for the larger charities compared with just $164,000 for the smaller, lesser-know charities.

Creative for a Cause is about celebrating the power of an image and providing a platform for Australians to raise awareness of the causes they are most passionate about. Creative for a Cause also works to highlight the many valuable, but lesser known charities in operation across the country that don't necessarily have a high profile but whose voices need to be heard.

One important charity Redkite, that supports children, young people and their families through cancer by providing emotional support, financial assistance and educational services, says that cash donations by the public are vitally important at this time as they receive no government funding.

Canon is urging all Australians to participate in Creative for a Cause by simply taking a photo that reflects the causes they are most passionate about, along with a 25 word description of what their photo represents and who their selected charity is, and uploading it to www.canon.com.au/creativeforacause.

The Judging Process:
Twenty four images will be selected by popular vote and editor's picks and will be reviewed by a judging panel who will then select the top five finalists. From these top five images, one entry will be chosen based on popularity and photographic merit. Canon will then donate $60,000 to this entrant's nominated charity. In addition to the $60,000 donation, Canon will reward the winning entry and four other finalists with a Canon product prize pack.

People are encouraged to vote for their favourite images at www.canon.com.au/creativeforacause

Songs for Stories - a Benefit Concert for the Indigenous Literacy Project

Venue:Melbourne Town Hall
Date:'Tuesday 25th August'
Fee:Tickets are $65, seats are allocated, and are selling fast.
Booking:indigenousliteracyproject.org.au/About/SongsforStories.aspx
Indigenous Literacy Project Concert with support from iconic Australian performers: Paul Kelly, The Cat Empire, Katie Noonan, Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach.

White Shirt Day

Date:'Saturday 19th May'
Booking:Madisonmag.com.au/fashion/australian-fashion/white-shirt-campaign-join-the-cause.htm
madison magazine is proud to partner Witchery for the fourth consecutive year in the White Shirt campaign in support of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF).

Launching in the May issue of madison and in Witchery stores nationwide, this year's campaign aims to raise $1 million to help develop an early stage ovarian cancer detection test, thereby improving survival rates for a disease that kills more than two Australian women every day.

Kingsleys Steak and Crabhouse Diners Double Target to reach $200K Donation to Royal Flying Doctors Service

Venue:Woolloomooloo, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne
Booking:1300 KINGSLEYS (1300 546 475) or reservations@kingsleys.com.au
Celebrating the one year anniversary of the association with the Royal Flying Doctors Service of Australia (RFDS) could not have come at a better time for Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse restaurants and their diners nationally as they double the set target to reach $200,000 in donations. It was only twelve months ago in October 2007 that Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse set a target of $100k in donations to be raised by 31 December 2008.

The donation was the contribution of diners across three restaurant locations - Woolloomooloo, Brisbane and Canberra. One dollar from every Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse diner goes toward raising vital funds for the RFDS, the first, largest and most comprehensive aero-medical association in the world. The donation is in recognition of the RFDS support of the Australian countryside, intrinsic to the success and soul of Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse.

"We are really proud to be associated with the Royal Flying Doctors Service. Urban dwellers often forget about the remote nature of regional Australia and the challenges faced by country people every day. Having such a significant donation raised by diners in our restaurants makes me feel very honoured to have such caring patrons. This achievement is a credit to our customers," says Kingsley Smith, Managing Director of Kingsleys Restaurant Group.

The group's strong link with country Australia comes from working in partnership with farmers from regional areas to produce premium quality beef, which is then used in Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse restaurants nationally. Kingsley's Restaurant Group is proud to support the RFDS who continue to be a vital provider of healthcare to over 80% of the nation. The RFDS is no more than 90 minutes away from anyone in Australia in need of urgent medical attention. Money raised for the RFDS by Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse restaurant diners will go towards purchasing and fitting out flying doctor aircraft, major pieces of medical equipment and training.

Nigel Milan, National CEO for the RFDS says; "The additional funding provided by Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse restaurants gives certainty and sustainability and ensures the Royal Flying Doctors Service can focus on what it does best - providing vital top-level medical care to regional and remote communities. For a restaurant group to raise a $200,000 donation in 12 months is a huge feat and greatly appreciated."

For almost 15 years now, Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse has become a leading provider of top quality steak and seafood to the Sydney area, sourcing their produce directly from some of Australia's best producers. With locations now in Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne opening in November this year, the quality food and service is available across Australia's eastern seaboard.

Rainbow Run

Date:'August 9th'
100 Sydneysiders join the 2009 City to Surf in support of Rainbows for Kate.

Sass & bide fashionista, Heidi Middleton will lead a group of City to Surf contenders this Sunday, as they strive to make Rainbows for Kate the leading fundraiser at the running event, in support of Sarcoma sufferers nationwide.

For more information please visit Rainbowsforkate.com.au

Mother's Day Classic

Venue:Held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney CBD, Parramatta and introducing Geelong and the Gold Coast.
Date:'Mother's Day Classic on Monday 23 February with the 2009 run/walk to be held on Sunday 10 May across Australia'
Booking:www.mothersdayclassic.org
Women in Super are pleased to announce that registrations for the Mother's Day Classic will open on Monday 23 February. Last year 67,000 people took part nationally in the event, raising $1.2 million for breast cancer research, and close to 70,000 are expected this year.

The Mother's Day Classic is a nationwide community event, bringing together those who have lost someone to breast cancer, to others who want to get fit and donate to a worthy cause. It's a poignant time to think of those who are no longer with us, with participants able to remember a loved one by wearing a personal message on a tribute card; or by writing a note of encouragement to those who are currently undergoing treatment.

In 2009, the Mother's Day Classic will be held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney CBD, Parramatta and introducing Geelong and the Gold Coast. There are also numerous regional events, with local communities encouraged to get involved by staging their own Mother's Day Classic, no matter how big or small! Participants can choose to run or walk.

The Mother's Day Classic is organised by Women in Super, a group that provides networking opportunities for women in the superannuation and finance industries. Since inception in 1998, the event has raised $4.4 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation's research grants. With one in nine women expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime, improved research means better treatment options and more chances of early detection.

Yiannis Ploutarhos Charity Event

Venue:Hisense Arena
Date:'Sat 2 May 2009'
Time:8.30pm
Fee:http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=YIANNISP09

Winter Fashion Frenzy Fundraiser

Venue:321 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Date:'Saturday 20 June'
Time:9am to 3pm
You can snap up a bargain AND help raise money at the same time at the Very Special Kids June Clothing Sale.

-Nothing over $20!!!
-New stock from major brands
-1000's of items
-Fashion accessories

All items are proudly donated by The Just Group

100% of proceeds go to Very Special Kids

Trivia Night

Venue:Chatswood
Date:'26th August '
Time:from 6.30pm
Fee:$120 for a table (8 people)
Booking:Nicole Glasgow: on 9413 1311 nicole.glasgow@beaumontconsulting.com.au
Join the team at Beaumont Consulting to raise much-needed funds for the SISTER2sister Program in a fun-filled evening.

Trio of Celebrities Go Sober in October for Ocsober

Date:'For the month of October'
Booking:Visit the Ocsober website and register now - Ocsober.com.au
Life Education Australia Announces Paul Fenech, Jonathan Pease and Lisa Wilkinson as Brand Ambassadors for major fundraising event

Life Education Australia (LEA), Australia's largest private charity providing drug and alcohol abuse prevention and health education, today announced the participation of three high profile television personalities for LEA's major annual fundraising event, Ocsober. Launched last year, Ocsober challenges Australians to cut out alcohol and go sober in October, getting friends and colleagues to sponsor them in order to raise money for LEA.

Variety Club WA Fundraiser

Venue:Eurobar
Date:'11th July'
Time:7pm sharp
Fee:$5 entry and FREE drink upon arrival and cheap drinks til 10.30
Appearnace from Claire Clarke and people who turn up in the first hour (That means 7pm! Be there or be square) will be in the running to win an awesome door prize and there are goody bags for the earlybirds too!

Amazing nights entertainment: fire twirlers, a fashion show, a dance show and MORE MORE MORE! Also free pizza...

Heart Foundation Doorknock Appeal

Venue:Australia wide
Date:'Month of September'
When a local volunteer from the Heart Foundation knocks on your door this September open your heart and give generously to help save Australian lives.

During September, more than 110,000 big-hearted volunteer collectors across Australia will donate their time to knock on doors to raise more than $4.4 million to help the Heart Foundation continue to fight cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in Australia. It claims nearly 46,000 Australian lives each year's this equates to a life lost every 10 minutes. It affects two out of three Australian families.

Short & Girly Comedy Gala

Venue:National Theatre, 20 Carlisle Street (cnr Barkly St), St Kilda
Date:'Friday 18 September'
Time:8pm. Duration: 210 minutes including interval
Fee:Full $55, Students/Concession $45, Group 8 + $50
Booking:ticketek.com or 1300 795 012
For one night only Short & Girly brings together a shimmering line-up of the country's finest and most hilarious stars in bras for a night of uproarious laughter- with all proceeds going to the Victorian AIDS Council.

The all-gal comedy Gala stars Denise Scott, Cal Wilson (Nova 100), Judith Lucy, Hannah Gadsby (RAW Comedy winner 2006), Claire Hooper (Good News Week), Andrea Powell, Celia Pacquola (Comedy Festival Age Critics Award Winner 2009), World War Wonderful, and Zara (Good News Week), Kitty Flanagan (Full Frontal), plus surprise guests.

Following its debut in 2006, Short & Girly returns in 2009 for the third time with another all-star lineup. Many of the Short & Girly performers are long time supporters of the Victorian AIDS Council and are donating their time and talent to support this very worthwhile cause.

Produced by Janet A. McLeod (Cinema Fiasco, ABC 774 Overnights), Short & Girly is a fundraising event for the Victorian AIDS Council so that they can
continue to reduce the transmission of HIV in our community and to preserve the independence, dignity and health of people living with HIV/AIDS.

International Day of People with a Disability

Date:'Thursday 3rd December'
To mark this day, Sunnyfield, one of the largest service providers for people with an intellectual disability in NSW, is proud to launch 'id DAY'.

'id Day' holds significance in the word identity, we are unique in our identity, and people with a disability want to be recognised as having identities, not labels!

The name also reflects the importance of the individual on this day - everyone has their own gifts, aspirations, needs and experiences. Everyone can make a difference to the lives of those with a disability by supporting this day, simply by buying merchandise or making a donation at idday.org.au. For this year's iD DAY, Sunnyfield is highlighting the issue of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) as this is one of the leading causes of non-genetic intellectual disabilities.

There will be some gorgeous merchandise for sale not only on the 3rd December, but also in the week or so leading up to the day. Or you can purchase merchandise at selected Woolworths and Westfield stores in the Sydney metropolitan and greater area.

New SANE website helps teens in families affected by mental illness

Venue:itsallright.org
Date:'launched 16 June 2009'
SANE Australia will launch itsallright.org - a new version of its website for teenagers with family affected by mental illness. The service aims to make a dramatic difference to teens in these families by providing them with the information and advice they urgently need, integrated with an online Helpline to answer specific questions.

Features of itsallright.org:
-Diaries of four teenagers based on real stories
-An online Helpline for teenagers to ask questions about mental illness and related topics
-Factsheets on everything from antidepressants to eating disorders; family support to treatment and recovery
-Podcasts which provide information about different mental health problems and treatment.

SANE estimates half a million young Australians have a brother, sister or parent with a mental illness. Growing up with mental illness in the family can often be a confusing and lonely experience: home life may involve episodic illness or periods of hospitalization for their parent or other relative, poverty, and even homelessness.

The impact on teenagers with mental illness in the family can be profound: often leaving them feeling distressed and isolated. Many may be forced to grow up early and look after their parents or siblings. Teenagers with a family member affected by mental illness are also more likely to become depressed themselves -- part of a vicious circle that can be difficult to escape.

SANE Australia: A national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness through education, research, and campaigning for improved services and attitudes. SANE operates Australia's only national Freecall Helpline providing information and advice about symptoms, treatment and support services for mental illness: 1800 18 SANE (7263).

The 2010 Gear Up Girl Challenge

Date:'Saturday 6th March'
Time:7.30am start for 55km route / 8.30am start for 15km route
Fee:$33 (15km) $44 (55km)
Booking:Sydneyolympicpark.com.au or (02) 9714 7888
A female-only cycling event to raise money for the Oncology Children's Foundation. With the choice of riding 55km or15km, the event is suitable for females of all ages and fitness levels.

-55km route starting in Cronulla and ending in Sydney Olympic Park
-15km circular route starting and ending in Sydney Olympic Park

International Gynaecological Awareness Day: High Tea

Venue:Swan Room Parmelia Hilton Hotel
Date:'Saturday 5 September 2009 International Gynaecological Awareness Day'
Time:2.30 - 4.30 pm
Fee:$50.00 Non-members, $40.00 Members, $80.00 Mother & Daughter
Booking:by Monday 31 August 2009
International Gynaecological Awareness Day: High Tea with 2006 Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer

Fund-raising for Ironman Australia 2010

Venue:Port Macquarie
Date:'28th March 2010'
On 28 March 2010,I will be lining up in Port Macquarie for my second Ironman Australia with 13 other members of my triathlon club who are racing and easily double that number who will be in Port Macquarie to cheer us on!Balance is a club that prides itself on it's contributions to several important charities and those racing this year are asking for your support to raise money for 2 of these charities.

Balance and UTS Triathlon Club has a dedicated charity, the Lynne King Cancer Care Foundation which was founded in memory of Lynne King to help those with cancer who, through whatever personal circumstances,need financial, emotional or medical assistance.

Lynne King was the mother of one of our members Lisa Brentnall, who died of cancer 5 years ago. Lisa told her mother she would one day race Ironman to raise money for charity. So next week she will be racing alongside the other Balance members for the first time.

Please help us to support her to raise money by please visiting www.gofundraise.com.au/Brentnall to find out more and to make a donation, no matter how small.

Last month our Club President and Club Captain, Robert and Cheri Lutz (Helmet & kb) lost their courageous 17 year old niece, Sarah,to Cystic Fibrosis. So this year we are also raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Australia. If you would like to make a donation please visit http://www.everydayhero.com.au/robert_lutz - every dollar is gratefully appreciated.

Thanks for your support!

Tracky Dack Day- Dack Up and Donate

Date:'Friday 1 July'
Friday the 1st of July is Tracky Dack Day and as a way to support children in hospital (and to get into a more relaxed state of mind) TLC for kids are asking for everyone to Dack up and Donate.



Why not spread the word and ask your work colleagues, class mates, mother's group, gym etc to donate just $3 - and experience twice the meaning to feeling good!



To register, simply SMS your name & postcode to 199 222 88 or visit www.trackydackday.com.au for further information

Soundrelief

Venue:Both concerts will be held in their citys most iconic venue; in Melbourne at the MCG and in Sydney at the SCG.
Date:'Saturday 14 March '
Booking:Ticketek on Wed 4 Mar, 9am
In Melbourne
Augie March, Bliss N Eso, Paris Wells, Gabriella Cimi, Hunters and Collectors, Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson, Troy Cassar-Daley, Jack Johnson, Jet, Kings of Leon, Liam Finn, Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly, Split Enz and Wolfmother.

In Sydney
Coldplay, Eskimo Joe, Hoodoo Gurus, Icehouse, Jet, Josh Pyke, Little Birdy, The Presets, Wolfmother, You Am I and more.

Take Steps for Diabetes with Queen Victoria Market

Venue:Visitors Centre, 69 Victoria Street, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Date:'Tuesday 14th, Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of July'
Time:10am - 12 noon
Fee:$25 (includes food samplings and a freshly squeezed juice)
Booking:9320 5822
Queen Victoria Market is supporting National Diabetes Week with the introduction of a new Lifestyle Food Tour. Walking is a simple way of getting exercise and preventing type 2 Diabetes, and from the 13th until the 18th of July you can join a Lifestyle Food Tour and get exercise while learning how to eat well at the same time!

This fun 2 hour tour will see you trekking through the vibrant Queen Victoria Market while focussing on healthy eating and exploring meal options. Plus everybody who books a Lifestyle Food Tour will receive a free pedometer to take home so you can see exactly how much exercise you've done during your Market experience!

'B' shed to Byron Bay, Variety Bash back in 2010

Date:'Departure from Sydney again on August 22nd 2010'
Time:7.00am
Given that since its inception in 1985, it has been tradition for the Bash to start and finish at a destination starting with the letter B, this year the Variety Bash will leave from the 'B' Shed at Sydney markets and finish in Byron Bay, detouring through some of NSW most remote regions including Cobar, Bourke and even crossing the border into Goondiwindi and Toowoomba in Queensland before completing the 3, 557 km journey on the most easterly point of Australia.

Having run a huge bash last year for the 25th Anniversary, Bashers from all walks of life are preparing, some for the first time, together with seasoned 'Bashers' to jump in their ancient and colourful cars and raise money for Variety the children's charity by driving through some of Australia's most diverse and isolated regions.