- Di von Essen
Tens of thousands of Australians come together virtually to walk and run all over Breast Cancer
The Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) has been bringing the community together on Mother’s Day for 23 years and in that time raised over $37m for breast cancer research.
Zara Lawless, CEO of MDC Foundation said organisers were truly inspired by the tens of thousands of families and friends who, in these unprecedented times have participated in the first ever virtual walk and run event in the lead up to and on Mother’s Day.
“The Mother’s Day Classic has always been more than the sum of its parts, it is more than a fun run and walk, it is more than a highly successful fundraiser, it is a community celebration that allows people to be part of something bigger than themselves and to know that, however they have been touched by breast cancer they are not alone,” said Ms Lawless.
While there were no physical events this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, there has been an extraordinary response with participants registering online for the virtual challenge walk and run across Australia.
Within 48 hours of the bans on mass gatherings, the Mother’s Day Classic launched its virtual event and was the first national event to do so.Organisers were adamant that cancellation was never an option.
All things that are at the heart of the Mother’s Day Classic, such as bringing the community together on Mother’s Day to celebrate the lives of those that have been touched by breast cancer and raising vital funds for breast cancer research whilst keeping people active and connected, could still, and have been achieved in a virtual sense.
The Mother’s Day Classic said that the tremendous response to the virtual event has exceeded initial expectations.
“We have had an extraordinary response from the community, with participants registering from every part of Australia. Social media has come alive with people sharing when, where and how they are taking part in the Mother’s Day Classic and their connections to the event and the cause,” said Ms Lawless.
The MDC Foundation is proud to continue the legacy of this national event that started in 1998 and to collaborate for the first time with Vision Australia Radio (VAR) producing a special two and a half hour live Mother’s Day national broadcast, representing a bold and innovative initiative by two iconic, future focussed community organisations.
Fundraising remains open until 30 June this year and organisers look forward to announcing agenerous donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in October 2020 adding to the morethan $37 million donated since 1998.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of our valued participants, sponsors and volunteers whohave united today to Make Mother’s Day mean more and continue the rich and diverse Mother’s DayClassic tradition, making the first ever Virtual event a tremendous success,” Ms Lawless said.
“Australians have embraced the innovative, new virtual format with families and friends stepping outin pink to get active and stay connected while supporting vital breast cancer research. I want to takethis opportunity to thank all our participants, sponsors, partners, volunteers and ambassadors whocontributed to the success of the event,” said Ms Lawless.
All proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) for breast cancer research toimprove outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.
The MDCF supports the NBCF’s goal of zerodeaths from breast cancer by 2030.
There is still so much work that needs to be done to ensure thatwomen can live their lives free of breast cancer in the future.
To donate to the Mother’s Day Classic and support vital breast cancer research, head to www.mothersdayclassic.com.au or text MDC to 0488 849 632.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia. Its incidence isrising faster than any other cancer – with 8 women dying from the disease every single day. A woman’s risk of breast cancer is now 1 in 7, up from 1 in 8 in the last year alone.
