As we reflect on the events of the last month we shine the spotlight on our wonderful community fundraisers who have made amazing efforts to support our mission to reach zero deaths from melanoma. A big thank you to all their supporters as well. The easing of COVID-19 restrictions continues to see the return of many large and small scale community fundraising events.

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival
The 2022 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival was held on September 18th. This iconic event includes a run over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a finish at the Opera House and featured a marathon, half marathon, bridge run and a family fun run. MIA had 4 active fundraisers participate in the event, raising a total $3665. Thank you to all who participated and a special shout out to our two highest fundraisers, Kristy Brown, raising $2442 and Clara McGinty raising $1128.

(Pic of Kristy Brown taken in early morning) 

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Sydney South Coast Melanoma Walk & Breakfast
Personal Trainer Keryn Salzmann organises an annual 16km Sydney South Coast Melanoma Walk and Breakfast to raise money in support of one of her dear friends, who was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma several years ago. Keryn loves raising money while showing family and friends a lovely time. The walk starts from Coalfcliff Beach, 8km to a beautiful venue called Headlands Hotel, where the group has breakfast, and back again.  The coastline is amazing and it keeps everyone out exercising, whilst fundraising. The group was very lucky to have had lovely weather to make the walk even more spectacular this year! Thank you to Keryn and all the walking group for raising $1550.

Jules McInnes Half Marathon for melanoma
As part of her Year 9 Community Project at Caulfield Grammar School, young Jules McIness ran a half marathon on September 3rd to raise money and awareness for melanoma, in honour of her Grandpa, who she lost 5 years ago, and Auntie, who she lost during the last year. Jules raised $3525, smashing her goal of $1250. Thank you Jules, you’re an inspiration!

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Richo’s 460km Run and Shave
This September marked 10 years since David ‘Richo’ Richard’s dad passed away at only 46 years old. So, Richo pledged to run an amazing 10 x 46 = 460km throughout the month, as well as shaving off his hair at the end of it. Richo raised $3325. Thanks Richo for your huge efforts!

Kangaroo Valley Pig Race
The population of the small NSW town of Kangaroo Valley swelled from 800 to over 4000 people during the Kangaroo Valley Pig Race and BBQ event, raising a fantastic total of $10,000. Thank you to David Kent and all who attended this fun day out.

Nike Melbourne Running Festival
On Sunday 2nd October, Daniel Matic took part in the Nike Melbourne Marathon, in honour of Shane Henry Huxham, who passed away from melanoma on the 19th December 2021. A big thank you to Daniel, who raised $690.

Paypal Giving Fund
We’d like to thank all of our supporters who organised fundraisers, such as birthday fundraisers, through Facebook and other avenues via the Paypal Giving Fund. We received donations of over $20,000 in September, the most we’ve ever received via this platform. If you have organised or are thinking about organising a fundraiser via Paypal Giving Fund, please email Amanda.Rowe@melanoma.org.au. We’d love to hear from you!

If you would like to organise a community fundraiser to support Melanoma Institute Australia, we’d love to hear from you. Please see our website, using link below, or email Amanda on fundraise@melanoma.org.au