Redkite

Our annual flagship event, Redkite Corporate Quiz, returned to Melbourne last week for a night of networking and fundraising, all in support of families facing childhood cancer. 🎗️

Thanks to the generosity of our corporate sponsors and supporters, we raised an impressive $415k! This funding will have a huge impact, paving the way to support over 160 families affected by childhood cancer.

We'd like to recognise and thank our partners Canaccord Genuity, MPA, L1 Capital, Belgravia Leisure, Service stream, PlaySide, Joval Wines, Barons Brewing, Abacus Rent IT, XL Express, Crisp Ideas and Print Media Group. We couldn't have done this without you!

Special thanks to Adam Spencer, our wonderful MC, and passionate Redkite Director, Bronte Adams, for their contributions to the evening's success. And of course, congratulations to L1 Capital for winning the Redkite Quiz trophy! 🏆

If you're a parent, guardian, or carer navigating the challenges of 'life after cancer', the Cascade Program is here to support you. Reflect on the cancer experience, identify how it may have affected your thinking, day-to-day habits, or family. 👨‍👩‍👧 Registrations close very soon! https://ow.ly/o0Ti50TlBY0

Our favourite week is back! From 16-22 September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the amazing team Coles Express are raising awareness and essential funds across their Coles Express and Reddy Express sites, to support Redkite and families facing childhood cancer. 🎗️

Show your support by making a donation when you fill up your tank, grab a snack, or enjoy a coffee! ⛽☕

Fergus, an aspiring veterinarian surgeon from Perth, was recently named a winner of the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. 🎓

Last year, while preparing to hike the Kokoda Track with his father, Fergus began feeling unwell. A CT scan later revealed he had a brain tumour. Post-surgery, Fergus lost mobility of his body as well as the ability to walk, talk and swallow.

Despite these setbacks, Fergus is now focusing on regaining his physical strength and remains determined to achieve his dream of becoming a veterinarian. More of his inspiring story https://ow.ly/SG8O50TkM7m 🔗

A sea of red! 👀 The Coles team were out in big numbers on Sunday to take part in the Bridge to Brisbane fun run. Walking, jogging, or running, they united with a sense of pride and purpose to support Redkite and families facing childhood cancer.

Some achieved personal bests, while others were happy to complete the distance and share this incredible experience with friends and colleagues!

Thank you to all team members for getting into the spirit of the morning and raising $9,500 for Redkite along the way! We really appreciate your incredible ongoing support! ❤️

If you’re a father/father figure impacted by cancer, you're not alone. Our next Connect Group for dads takes place on Thursday 19 September. Register your interest https://ow.ly/y7uW50Tf3QO🪁

Shannon shaved her head back in July in honour of her beautiful friend Toni, who sadly passed away at 15 years old after facing Ewings Sarcoma. Toni's amazing mum, Ellie, did the honours. 🪒💙

"When I decided to shave my hair, I asked Ellie who she would like me to raise money for and she chose Redkite. Redkite helped Ellie through Toni’s battle with cancer and also put money towards Toni’s funeral."

Shannon's selfless act is a perfect example of the spirit behind our Hairless Heroes Challenge. Shave, cut or wax your hair and become a Hairless Hero for kids facing cancer: https://ow.ly/8Xao50TixsV

Managing special days and events can be challenging for families with children both on and off cancer treatment. Significant days, like birthdays or graduation, often come with expectations which can intensify feelings and emotions. Swipe for a few tips which may help. 👇💙

For more, visit https://ow.ly/91u650TeZ0t

Have you been affected by childhood or adolescent cancer, either through your own experience, through your family or as a health/social care professional? If so, you can help shape the future of childhood cancer research by taking the Australian Child and Adolescent Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) Survey. 🗒️

It's quick, easy, and your input will make a real difference! Visit https://ow.ly/C5ei50T9p3H

Meet our 2024 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship winners! Each year, Redkite, in partnership with Coles, provides young Australians diagnosed with cancer up to $5,000 of financial support to help achieve their goals.

Our winners have faced great adversity to pursue their dreams. Victoria, diagnosed with a brain tumour at 3 years old, took up swimming as a form of therapy and has spent the last 8 years training to represent Australia at the 2028 Paralympics. Fergus, also diagnosed with a brain tumour, is now working hard on rehabilitation so he can start university next year and study to become a vet. 🏊‍♀️👨‍⚕️

Congratulations Victoria and Fergus, we are thrilled to be able to assist you in taking the steps to achieve your dreams!

We are so excited to introduce... HAIRLESS HEROES CHALLENGE! Make a sacrifice this October by shaving, cutting, or waxing your hair in support of children facing cancer. Sign up now https://ow.ly/sUTY50TcbTy ✂️🪒

Our social work team is here to listen if you need support this Father's Day. Our phone lines will be open from 10am-4pm (AEST). Call us on 1800 733 548, or email us [email protected] ✉️

When a child finishes cancer treatment, the relief parents feel is often coupled with a mix of fear, anxiety and stress. The Cascade Program is here to support you through the emotional challenges of 'life after cancer'. 🤝

Register via https://ow.ly/t3nB50T3Ew1

Have you cared for a child with cancer? The Australian Government is developing a new National Carer Strategy, and your voice is crucial in shaping the future of carer support! While Redkite will be advocating for families in consultations, ultimately the most powerful voice is yours. 🗣️

Share your experience by writing a submission or completing the questionnaire by 13 September: https://ow.ly/Lqcw50T9nTm For support, reach out to our team 1800 733 548.

Alongside our partners Canteen Australia and Camp Quality, we were delighted to be joined today by Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP to launch the newly expanded Cancer Hub!

Our collective vision for Cancer Hub is to make it easier for families impacted by cancer to access the support they need. Since our launch two years ago, we have helped around 4,000 families with more than 19,000 support sessions.

Thanks to the Australian Government’s funding commitment, we have two key focus areas for this next phase of Cancer Hub. Firstly – doubling our cancer navigation capacity in response to overwhelming demand during the pilot phase. Secondly – strengthening our work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through dedicated roles and culturally safe practice.

Special thanks to Georgie Gardner for hosting today’s event, and to our incredible families who so generously shared their stories. Read more about Cancer Hub via https://ow.ly/lrTY50T79J8 🔗

Last Sunday, 68 amazing Coles team members hosted a Redkite Family Fun Day in Cairns! They gathered their friends, family and even a few furry friends to participate in fundraising activities, including a 5km walk, games and a friendly round of tug of war. 🚶‍♀️🐶

Through their efforts, they managed to raise over $15,000 to support Redkite and families facing childhood cancer. Special thanks to all team members involved, and the fantastic fundraising committee who worked tirelessly to make this happen. We really appreciate your incredible support!

For children, it can be scary and upsetting watching their sibling experience the effects of cancer treatment, and seeing them in and out of hospital. Swipe for some suggestions which may help. What are some practical tips that have helped you? Share them with us in the comments. 💭

For more, visit https://ow.ly/pHr650T1FHB

Our CEO, Monique Keighery, had the pleasure of hosting the Annual Redkite MP Afternoon Tea together with The Hon Milton Dick MP on Tuesday! This special event marked the Parliamentary launch of our 'Never Alone: Women and Mothers' Program,' an initiative aimed at empowering mothers of children with cancer and highlighting the challenges they so often face as primary caregivers.

We heard from two incredible Redkite-supported mothers, Christine and Katie, in a family panel facilitated by Redkite Director and Brand Ambassador, Georgie Gardner. They shared powerful insights into their lived experiences, shedding light on the unique challenges they face as women and mothers impacted by childhood cancer.

We were also privileged to be joined by The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health, and The Hon Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, both of whom recognised Redkite's vital role in supporting mothers of children with cancer. 🪁

Thank you to our amazing supporters who joined us to mark the occasion, including Redkite Chair Mark Rigotti, Redkite Director Chris Milross, and Redkite Ambassador Jodie Haydon!

It's not too late to Cake a Difference! Add a pack of Mr Kipling to your cart this week and help support families facing childhood cancer. For every pack sold, a 10c donation will go to Redkite, up to the value of $35,000! Head into your nearest Coles by 27 August. 🧁

Looking to connect with other parents and carers who understand the challenges of reintroducing healthy eating after childhood cancer? Taking place Tuesday 27 August, our Refresh Kids' Eating Connect Group is a safe space to share experiences, discuss practical approaches and meet others who understand. 🍇🍍

Register via https://ow.ly/l2sM50T0MFx

We understand that certain times of the year, like Father's Day, can be difficult for some. Our next Connect Group for bereaved dads will cover the challenges that can arise, and strategies that might be helpful. Register via https://ow.ly/t3xl50SYagp 🪁

This post addresses the difficult topic of bereavement and loss. Please skip this one if you need to. For support, contact us 1800 733 548. 💙

In our latest Redkite Real Talk, we sit down with Karl and Olivia as they share their experience with bereavement and discuss coping strategies they found helpful. To watch their story, visit https://ow.ly/EiIN50SYW7q🔗

Grief can be an overpowering and overwhelming emotion. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, parents often experience grief over an uncertain future and a deep sense of loss. For more information and support, visit https://ow.ly/CGR050SYbPH 💙

Congratulations to the fantastic team members from Coles who made the 14km journey from Sydney's CBD to the golden sands of Bondi yesterday for City2Surf!

Not only did they cross the finish line for Redkite, they also raised over $4k along the way for families facing childhood cancer. We're so grateful to each and every one of you for your amazing support! 🏃‍♀️💕

Our 2023 Impact Report is here! Inside, we highlight the achievements of our fantastic Redkite team, who worked tirelessly to deliver our essential services to families. We also celebrate the incredible generosity of our donors, partners and supporters, who make all of our work possible every single day. 💛🪁

Swipe for a look at just some of the impact highlights of the year! To see how your support made a difference in 2023, visit https://ow.ly/4SVT50STviM.

Calling all Redkite families! Have you got feedback you'd like to share, and 10 minutes to spare? If you've accessed any of our services since 2022, we invite you to take our Family Services Survey! We value your feedback and appreciate you taking the time to share it. Visit https://ow.ly/yF9e50SSESk 💻