Building Towards a Cancer Free Future

Cancer. It is perhaps the ugliest and most feared word of all, and wherever it travels, much sadness and heartache follow close behind. It is vicious, cruel and unforgiving – taking with it hope and dignity and many of the most precious and beloved people in our lives – family members, friends and work colleagues.

Millions of people throughout Australia and the rest of the world are fighting to overcome it – to survive it and there are organisations and people in just about every country that have dedicated their resources to eliminate it. To create a cancer-free future for all.

The Cancer Council and its team of staff and volunteers is one such organisation working hard toward their goal of a cancer-free society and being 95% community funded means that any money that’s raised in the Hunter stays right here in the Hunter.

The results of their combined efforts are starting to be realised, with cancer research saving eight lives every day and Australia now having one of the highest cancer survival rates in the world. The Cancer Council is the only charity that works across the full spectrum of prevention, detection, treatment and practical support and care to improve outcomes for all cancer types. With the largest network of researchers, educators, patient support staff, advocates and volunteers, the Cancer Council can translate support from community events like this great Raceday into improved cancer outcomes in the Hunter and across Australia.

Of course, this all costs money and a great deal of resources, so when a local family owned and operated business like Mavid Constructions decide to throw in their support and organise an event to generate much-needed funding – it is greatly appreciated.

To make it happen, the staff at Mavid Construction, an award-winning builder completing over 250 homes a year, set the goal to raise as much money and awareness of this insidious disease that they could. Their tagline said it all – "build towards a cancer-free future".

The event was the Mavid Raceday (for Cancer Council 2018) which was held at the Newcastle Jockey Club in their new marque with more than 430 guests attending the event with entertainment, dancing and fashion on the field.

For "Team Mavid", the day exceeded all expectations with over $60,000 raised from sponsorships, donations and raffle ticket sales on the day. The event was such a success that staff, sponsors and guests on the day are hoping it will become an annual event, with a special thanks going to the MC Anthony Burke and to all the Cancer Council Volunteers for their tireless efforts on the day.