Community raises more than $29,000 for HMF
Through local community spirit and support, the Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) has raised more than $29,000 for melanoma.
HMF Gimme 5 for Melanoma, which took place over the month of October encouraged participants to complete 5 activities of their choice whilst obtaining donations for the Foundation.
HMF Executive Officer, Claudia Tolhurst said that she was overwhelmed by the support.
“It has been another challenging year for individuals and local businesses, so for our community to collectively raise more than $29,000 for HMF is honestly incredible,” Claudia said.
Gimme 5 was originally created in memory of Scott Polglase who lost his battle to melanoma when he was 28. On the 15th anniversary of his passing, HMF along with the support of Scott’s family and friends revamped the campaign to continue his legacy and support to the Foundation that continues to work towards a cure for melanoma.
Scott’s then wife Kirrilley Moelker, said the amount raised in one month for Gimme 5 is extraordinary and will assist many melanoma patients and their families through this challenging time.
“For the revamp of Gimme 5 for Melanoma to coincide with the 15th anniversary of Scott, and to honour his legacy would certainly make Scott proud. Many melanoma patients and their families in the Hunter will benefit tremendously from the raising of this money for HMF,” Kirrilley said.
Beyond raising money, Gimme 5 also raised awareness of the importance of checking and protecting your skin from this insidious cancer. It was this time last year that HMF launched their Spot Check campaign, which provided free skin checks to the local community over the summer period, and through Gimme 5 HMF can continue to this service.
“Whilst COVID has created some challenges with bringing Spot Check back this year, the Foundation is busily planning more free skin checks across the Hunter, as well as bringing it into local businesses because as we know early detection of melanoma can be live saving.”
“Again, through local community spirit and support we can continue to do our lifesaving work in the Hunter community. Melanoma is still not front of mind for a lot of people, so through community activations such as Gimme 5, we are able to bring light to such an important matter and raising funds is just a bonus,” Claudia said.
Gimme 5 for Melanoma was proudly supported by Genesis Health and Fitness, H Events & Niche Real Estate and Property Solutions.
