This year, with your help, we aim to raise $750,000 for Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000 Foundation to improve support services, fund research, remove stigmas and raise awareness of cancer and mental health issues, especially for those within the Emergency Service and Defence communities.
Lifeline is a national charity, operating 41 centres across Australia, providing those experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis and suicide prevention support. Lifeline receives over 1 million calls annually; almost 2 a minute, that can include thoughts of suicide, relationship worries, mental health concerns, loneliness and isolation, loss and grief, abuse and trauma among other issues. The $280,000 (or 40% of funds) raised will ensure that Lifeline’s staff and volunteers can cover the phones during peak periods on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings when people feel at their most vulnerable and turn to Lifeline. No call should go unanswered.
Peter Mac is Australia’s only public hospital that’s 100% dedicated to cancer treatement, research and education. It’s also home to Australia’s largest cancer research group. Peter Mac’s commitment to research is based on the belief that treatment informed by research, and research informed by treatment, is the key to progressing better cancer care. Working within the hospital environment means their researchers are uniquely placed to translate research discoveries as quickly as possible into real treatments for cancer patients. Sadly, cancer is a leading cause of death in the community and firefighters and other emergency service workers are overrepresented in the number of cancer cases globally. The funds we raise will help Peter Mac’s dedicated cancer researchers make new breakthroughs and discover more cancer cures. The $300,000 (or 40% of funds) raised will ensure that Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre have funds to support their research.
The 000 Foundation (Triple Zero Foundation) is a brand new charity dedicated to the welfare of our Emergency Service Personnel, with a particular focus on the issues of mental health experienced by the sector. The $150,000 (20% of funds) raised for the Foundation will enable them to introduce innovative new programs to improve the mental health of Emergency Service Personnel and our community. It will also assist in looking after the welfare of our members, particularly those adversely affected by their service.
The 000 Foundation is the MFSC administrator and as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC), will issue all tax deductible donation receipts.