Redlands volunteers crowned CancerFREE champions by Cancer Council

The Redlands volunteer branch took part in the 2018 CancerFREE challenge, which calls for fundraisers to commit to raising $10,000 during the year.

Last year the branch raised $117,000, more than any other individual or branch in the challenge.

Branch president Tish Henderson said volunteers held craft and cake stalls, a cent sale auction, a barefoot bowls charity day and a Titanic-themed dinner, as well as participating in the Redlands Relay for Life to raise this amount.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” Ms Henderson said.

“We have people out at shopping centres across the Redlands, and we host morning teas.

“We get a lot of support, and we’d like to thank the community for that.”

Thanks to about 30 volunteers, the branch raised $12,000 more than their winning effort in 2017.

In 2018, 72 fundraisers, both individuals and groups, took part in the challenge, with the top three being invited to the Cancer Council Brisbane headquarters for the announcement of the Queensland champion in December.

Winners also visited the University of Queensland Molecular Biosciences department, where they used virtual reality technology to look at a simulation of the inside of a cancer cell.

As the top fundraisers, the Redlands branch will now have the chance to name the recipient of a research grant from the Cancer Council.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said the combined efforts of CancerFREE entrants in Queensland had resulted in a fundraising total of $1.136 million.

“Together, our category winners raised $238,000 for the cause throughout the year through countless events, stalls, raffles and more, a simply phenomenal effort for which we can’t thank them enough,” Ms McMillan said.

“Their tireless dedication and enthusiasm for the cause will enable us to continue our important work in cancer control, contributing to vital cancer research, education and prevention programs and patient support services.”

Ms Henderson said the Redlands branch would be taking part in the challenge again in 2019 and this year aimed to raise $130,000.

“We are honoured to contribute to (the Cancer Council’s) practical support services and counselling,” she said.

“For the people going through this (cancer) journey, there’s a lot of hope.”

Ms Henderson added that the Redlands branch was always on the lookout for volunteers.

“Your skills are welcomed and you input as much or as little of your time as you can,” she said.

For more information on the Redlands Cancer Council volunteer branch, visit facebook.com/CCQRedlandsBranch/.