In addition to their on-field NRL battle against the Cronulla Sharks on Monday night, the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys will be using the game to make a special push in the fight against childhood cancer.
To kick off Gold September, cancer charities Camp Quality and The Cure Starts Now have teamed up with Steggles Charity Nest and Cowboys Community Corner to help rally support to give kids with cancer better outcomes and their families better support.
Cowboys members and supporters will be able to find out more about both charities, and Gold September, by visiting Community Corner, located in the south-west corner of the ground.
During the pre-game entertainment, Camp Quality volunteers will give four kids – all cancer sufferers and survivors – the thrill of a ride on the back of a motorbike around 1300SMILES Stadium.
Local teenage cancer sufferer and ambassador for Gold September Keely Johnson will also feature with her rendition of Advance Australia Fair that she recently recorded with Australian country music star Lee Kernaghan.
Not only is Keely battling an undiagnosed brain tumor that has not allowed her to grow since she was 10, she is also making a huge financial contribution to the fight against childhood cancer.
With the goal of raising $100,000 for cancer charities by 2016, the big Cowboys fan’s fundraising efforts have ranged from busking to creating an online business, the Bella Bambini Gift Service, with all profits donated to charities to help families of children affected by cancer.
Camp Quality, which has the motto ‘laughter is the best medicine’, supports children living with cancer and their families to create a better life by building optimism and resilience throughout each stage of their cancer journey.
The Cure Starts Now was launched by Townsville dad Ren Pedersen following the death of his daughter Amy from DPIG, a devastating type of brain tumour.
With Cowboys centre Brent Tate as its ambassador, the national charity raises funds to support Australian cancer research.
The Community Corner space at North Queensland’s home games reflects the Cowboys’ and Steggles' commitment to assist volunteer-run charities and not-for-profit organisations to build awareness and support from the local community.
Twelve charities working in and benefiting the North Queensland community are offered this opportunity throughout the 2014 season.
More information:
• The Children’s Cancer Research Fund’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month childrenscancer.org
• Camp Quality: campquality.org.au
• The Cure Starts Now: thecurestartsnow.org/au
