Yesterday, Sony Foundation Australia held a star-studded event to raise funds for their major fundraising campaign - 'You Can' - to build specialised youth cancer wards across the country.
The event, Wharf4Ward, took over the full line-up of restaurants at Sydney's Woolloomooloo Wharf and raised $470,000 for the cause, with a special mention for the generous $100,000 donation made possible via the sales of International Cricket 2010 on PS3 made possible by Gerard Noonan of Namco Bandai, Rod Cousens of Codemasters, cricket legend Ricky Ponting and also, Sony Computer Entertainment.
Guests enjoyed a sparkling Chandon reception followed by lunch at some of Sydney's most celebrated restaurants. The party continued into the evening at the Wild Turkey American Honey After Party at Blue Hotel's Water Bar.
Entertainment was provided by Sony Music artists, including platinum-selling Kate Miller-Heidke, X Factor judge Guy Sebastian, 2009 Australian Idol Stan Walker and 2010 Australia's Got Talent winners Justice Crew. Other noted guests included Ricky and Rianna Ponting, Geoff Huegill, Eamon Sullivan, Natalie Gruzlewski, Richard Wilkins, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Angela Bishop, Melissa Doyle, David Koch, Natarsha Belling, Samantha Armytage, Larry Emdur, Camilla Franks, Renee Barge, Danny Clayton, Dennis Lillee and a special mention to Jessica Watson who sailed in to support the cause on the PlayStation 3 boat.
Sophie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Foundation Australia, said "Not only was Wharf4Ward a day of fine food and world class entertainment at one of Sydney's premier dining destinations, the 800 guests in attendance also helped raise a staggering $470 000 for Sony Foundation's You Can campaign. Currently in Australia, 15 to 30 year olds are the only generation for whom there has been no improvement in cancer survival outcomes for 25 years, making cancer the biggest disease killer of our teenagers. Sony Foundation's You Can campaign is raising funds to build specialised youth cancer wards which will help improve survival rates for this 'forgotten generation'. The money raised at Wharf4Ward will make a measurable and immediate difference to the lives of young Australians with cancer".
The You Can campaign:
With cancer the leading cause of disease-related death amongst Australia's teenagers, there is an obvious and urgent need for action. A unique collaboration between governments, not-for-profit organisations, corporate and community support is helping to create a better future for young Australians with cancer. Sony Foundation is proud to play its role in this life saving initiative, by raising $15 million over three years in conjunction with long time charity partner CanTeen.
It's simple for the public to get involved without donating a single dollar. There are over 20 million old mobile phones lying in bottom drawers across the country - the You Can campaign calls on all Australians to recycle these. Sony Foundation has partnered with an international recycling company to swap old mobile phones for cash. Funds raised will be used to build youth cancer wards across Australia. All donated phones will be recycled for reuse. In the first five months of the campaign over 200,000 phones have been donated to the campaign equating to $1 million.
The You Can appeal is supported by Free Post mobile phone recycling envelopes inserted in national newspapers and magazines. Unwanted mobile phones can also be donated at a variety of retail partners Australia-wide including: Sony Centre, Harvey Norman, Best & Less, Retravision and Leading Edge Computers. For more information on the You Can campaign visit www.youcan.org.au.
| Publish date: | 22/10/10 |
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| Category: | News |
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