THE RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER RAISES HALF A MILLION DOLLARS NATIONALLY AS PART OF ITS ANNUAL EPIC IMPACT DAY FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE
Friday, June 15, 2012
By: The Melbourne Ride

Innovative use of digital and traditional fundraising efforts mobilised riders to secure donations in Melbourne for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

For Immediate Release:
(MELBOURNE - June 15, 2012) - The Ride to Conquer Cancer announced it raised half a million dollars for cancer institutes across Australia as part of its annual Epic Impact Day efforts, which challenged all registered Riders to secure at least one donation on or before Wednesday, June 13th.

Ride staffers leveraged innovative digital media strategies, and massive outreach efforts to mobilise thousands of registered participants to secure donations in Melbourne, Victoria for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

“Epic Impact Day was a huge step towards raising much-needed funds for Peter Mac’s life-saving cancer research,” said Craig Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Peter Mac, the beneficiary of The Ride.

“Day in and day out, our cancer researchers are on a mission to accelerate discovery to find better treatment options and cures for cancer. Funds raised through The Ride will be put to immediate use supporting life-saving research, ultimately resulting in better outcomes for people with cancer,” he added.

A first of its kind in Australian fundraising, The Ride held open town-hall style discussions on the social networking site Twitter on its annual Epic Impact Day. The Ride Twitter handle conversed, or “Tweeted” in real time with Twitter handles of media personalities while their followers tuned in and occasionally engaged in the discussion. Charlie Pickering, co-host of The Project on Network TEN, was the leading participant in the discussion in Melbourne.

Dialogue was candid and covered a range of topics including The Ride, impacts funds will make here in Victoria and cycling tips. Pickering cited his reasons for supporting The Ride, saying any initiative that raises money for Peter Mac is one that will most certainly make a substantial difference to the lives of cancer patients here in Victoria.

“There is still a lot of work to be done and I invite everyone to join us for the inaugural Victorian Ride to Conquer Cancer this October,” added Mr Bennett. “Register now at www.conquercancer.org.au or call 1300 00 7433.”

The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a historic, two-day cycling event to raise funds for cancer research and care at Peter Mac. Set to take place on October 27-28, the route will take participants over 200km through picturesque parts of Victoria and bring together communities of survivors, Riders and supporters for one common goal: to conquer cancer.

About the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer and one of an elite group of hospitals worldwide to have its own integrated cancer research program and laboratories. Peter Mac treats more cancer patients each year than any other hospital in the country and its highly skilled medical, nursing and allied health team is backed by the largest cancer research group in Australia. More information can be found at www.petermac.org

About the Ride To Conquer Cancer
During one epic weekend, on October 27-28, thousands of men and women will unite for a history making event. They’ll cycle over 200 kilometres in two days to raise money for cancer research, treatment and care. With one in two Australians developing cancer in their lifetime, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has become a powerful call to action for cancer patients, survivors and their supporters. The Ride begins with an Opening Ceremony on the Saturday morning and finishes on the Sunday. Thousands of Riders will cover approximately 100 kilometres each day, travelling at their own pace. Riders will be supported by hundreds of volunteers and crew members, providing meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, portable restrooms, safety on the course, comprehensive medical services and an overnight campsite complete with tents, hot showers and entertainment. For more information, visit www.conquercancer.org.au

Brian Lowe | Public Relations Manager Australia
(o) 1300 450 936 | (m) 0414 460 618
blowe@conquercancer.org.au