Australia’s largest breast cancer fundraiser, the Mother’s Day Classic, is donating $900,000 for vital research to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of breast cancer in an Australian first virtual campaign.
The Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) 2020 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) has taken total funds donated by the national event to nearly $38 million with every dollar raised helping to improve the lives of the 1 in 7 women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Mother’s Day Classic was the first national event to launch a major virtual campaign in response to bans on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zara Lawless, CEO of MDC Foundation said it was inspiring to see more than 50,000 supporters who, in unprecedented times, participated virtually in the event on Mother’s Day.
“The Mother’s Day Classic has always been more than the sum of its parts, it is more than a fun run and successful fundraiser, it is a community celebration that allows people to be part of something bigger than themselves and to know that, however they have been touched by breast cancer, they are not alone,” said Ms Lawless.
“We were always adamant that cancellation in light of the pandemic wasn’t an option. We took the event virtual to ensure that our community was kept alive, we continued to raise money for breast cancer research and supported people to keep active through what was a very difficult period.”
“The tremendous response to the virtual event exceeded initial expectations. We were overwhelmed by the support of our valued participants, sponsors and volunteers who united to make the first ever Virtual event a tremendous success. Social media came alive with people sharing when, where and how they are taking part in the Mother’s Day Classic and their connections to the event and the cause,” said Ms Lawless.
“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia and impacts on so many people. With the support of our participants, we are making a significant contribution to funding research into the causes and potential treatments of breast cancer,” Ms Lawless said.
This immense support has led to nearly $38 million being donated since 1998.
Mother’s Day Classic 2021
Following the success of the first virtual Mother’s Day Classic in 2020, the MDC Foundation has announced that the Mother’s Day Classic LOCAL 2021 will take place on Sunday 9 May in hundreds of locations across capital cities, regional centres and remote towns within Australia.
The Mother’s Day Classic LOCAL will combine the flexibility of a virtual fun-run or walk with the community atmosphere seen at physical Mother’s Day Classic events.
During Event Week (May 3 – May 9), you can either run or walk in your own time or join other participants at one of our COVID safe locations across the country*.
For details or to register your interest, go to mothersdayclassic.com.au.
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