Sony Foundation raises $300,000

Yesterday, the charitable arm of the Sony group of companies in Australia used a star-studded event to begin a major fundraising drive.

Yesterday, Sony Foundation Australia – the charitable arm of the Sony group of companies in Australia – used a star-studded event to begin a major fundraising drive to build specialised wards for teenage and young adult cancer sufferers. The one-off event, Wharf4Ward, took over the full line-up of restaurants at Sydney's Woolloomooloo Wharf and raised $300,000 for the cause.

Guests enjoyed a sparkling Chandon reception followed by lunch at some of Sydney's most acclaimed restaurants. Entertainment was provided by Sony Music artists, including chart topper Guy Sebastian with "Like it Like That", seven time ARIA nominee Jessica Mauboy, Packed to the Rafters star Hugh Sheridan and platinum selling artist David Campbell. Australian Idol's top five arrived at the Wharf by boat in dramatic style to perform Rihanna's hit single "Umbrella" for the crowd. Other noted guests attending the event included Tom Williams, Lee Furlong, Lizzy Lovette, Mia Freedman, Fuzzy Agolley, George Houvardas and Matthew Mitcham. It was hosted by Channel 9's Ben Fordham. The party continued into the evening at the Russian Standard Vodka after party at Blue Sydney Hotel.

Dr Louise Messara, Executive Director, Sony Foundation, said "One in 100 Australians is diagnosed with cancer before the age of 30 and in the last 25 years there has been virtually no improvement in survival outcomes for the 15 to 30 age group. Wharf4Ward was a truly encouraging start to our fundraising efforts, and a positive beginning to our first public call-out to help those suffering.

The public can get involved in Sony Foundation's campaign through "Buy-a-Builder" which was launched at Wharf4Ward. Buy-a-Builder is a fundraising mechanism that asks people to buy a customisable virtual builder (or avatar) and help to build real wards in an innovative programme to encourage and empower the public to raise funds to tackle youth cancer.

The public can access the Buy-a-Builder program via the web, mobile phone or by purchasing a donation card in store at Sony Centres. All mechanisms will drive supporters of the initiative to the website www.buyabuilder.com.au. This site, set up as a virtual construction site, allows the public to create a unique virtual 'brickie' or virtual 'chippie' etc., in their own image. These builders will then join the army of supporters, whose donations are contributing to building teenage and young adult cancer wards around the country.