Ovarian Cancer awareness month a chance to raise funds

Ovarian Cancer Australia wants people to paint the town teal in February for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.

Chief executive officer Jane Hill said ovarian cancer was one of the deadliest cancers for women in Australia but research remained comparatively underfunded.

“We rely on our fundraising community so we can continue to deliver awareness, support, advocacy and research programs,” she said.

“Ovarian Cancer Australia is the only organisation providing specialised support to those affected by ovarian cancer through support groups, our helpline, resilience kit, online resources and more."

“Paint the Town Teal fundraising events can be big, small or somewhere in between.”

TerryWhite Chemart South City Bunbury raises money for the cause all year through the sale of donated books. Owner Craig Clark said more than $50,000 had been raised through various fundraisers by the chemist since 2011.

“Every February we do a morning tea,” he said. “About five years ago we hosted a big ball at the Italian Club which raised around $30,000.

“We’ve been doing the books continually and that’s built momentum over the years — people just bring all their old books in and it’s just a small thing which brings in a couple of thousand each year.

“It’s a fantastic cause and it works well with what we do as a pharmacy.”

Ovarian Cancer Australia has set a target of $500,000 to raise during the month.

Special teal ribbons will be available at TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacies and Black Pepper stores this month with people encouraged to wear them on February 27 for Teal Ribbon Day.