Media release: Thursday October 17, 2019

The Mother’s Day Classic donates $1.75 million to breast cancer research, reaching a total of $37.05 million raised since 1998

Australia’s largest breast cancer fundraiser, the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) is proud to announce its annual donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) for vital research to improve the detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The donation marks the 22nd anniversary and partnership between MDC and NBCF.

The $1.75 million cheque was presented to the NBCF at a special celebration event at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne last night. This represented the fundraising efforts of nearly 100,000 participants, volunteers and spectators, and the support of sponsors and partners, who all contributed to Mother’s Day Classic events around Australia earlier this year.

The 2019 donation has taken total funds raised by the national event to over $37 million.

The Mother’s Day Classic Foundation (MDCF) is the single largest donor to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Established in 1998 by the networking and advocacy body Women in Super, the MDCF has funded 70 research programs and more than 250 Australian scientists, all focused on improving the survival outcomes of those diagnosed with breast cancer.

This year the Mother’s Day Classic continued to be the premier activity on Mother’s Day for women, men, children, family, friends and teams with thousands of people gathering around the country to make their Mother’s Day mean more. They walked, ran, volunteered and cheered at locations from Cairns to Hobart, Broome to Port Macquarie and everywhere in between.

MDCF Chair and co-Founder, Louise Davidson AM said the MDC’s fundraising for research is making a difference and the 2019 donation was a testament to all the people who make the Mother’s Day Classic possible.

“As organisers, we are truly humbled by the thousands of families, volunteers, individuals, partners and sponsors who have made this such a special event and in their own way contributed to its longevity. Breast cancer impacts on so many people, and with the support of our participants the Mother’s Day Classic is making a significant contribution to funding research into the causes and potential treatments of breast cancer,” Ms Davidson said.

Zara Lawless, MDCF CEO said the event and the extraordinary efforts of everyone involved, particularly the volunteers, embodies the meaning of stronger together.

“The Mother’s Day Classic is so much more than a walk and fun run and it is more than a highly successful fundraiser. It is a celebration that brings communities, right across Australia, together on Mother’s Day, acknowledging and celebrating the lives of those touched by breast cancer,” said Ms Lawless.

NBCF Chief Executive Officer, Professor Sarah Hosking thanked Women in Super and Mother’s Day Classic Foundation and said, “The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) has been very privileged to partner with the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic for this iconic event for over 20 years. This immense support has helped to raise over $37 million since 1998. This has helped NBCF fund game-changing breast cancer research to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, while also ensuring that those affected have a better quality of life.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia. Its incidence is rising faster than any other cancer – with 8 women dying from the disease every single day1. A woman’s risk of breast cancer is now 1 in 7, up from 1 in 8 in the last year alone2. The 2020 Mother’s Day Classic walk + run will be held on Sunday 10 May in up to 90 locations from capital cities, regional centres and remote towns across Australia.

For all media enquiries, images and interviews please contact: Cate Lapham, National Media Relations Manager, Mother’s Day Classic, e clapham@mothersdayclassic.com.au t 0413 878 778

Organised by: Women in Super (WIS) is a national member organisation consisting of women working in the superannuation and related financial services industries. WIS cares about the health of women as well as their financial wellbeing and in 1998 established the Mother’s Day Classic, an event which has become the single largest donor to the NBCF.

NBCF: The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Australia’s leading national body funding game-changing breast cancer research with money raised entirely by the Australian public. We receive no government funding. What we do, would not be possible without the support and generosity of people and organisations like YOU. Our mission is simple: stop deaths from breast cancer. How? By identifying, funding and championing world-class research - research that will help us detect tumours earlier, improve treatment outcomes, and ultimately – save lives. To date, NBCF has raised over $170 million to fund 534 world-class breast cancer research projects in Australia. Proud major sponsor We believe every Australian should live the best life they can, which is why we’ve sponsored the Mother’s Day Classic since 2005. Meet the bank in the fight against breast cancer at me.com.au Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdcwalkrun/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdc_walk_run/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mother's-day-classic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MDC_walk_run Hashtags: #makeitmeanmore #mdc2020

1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & Cancer Australia 2019. Canberra: AIHW 2 Breast cancer in Australia statistics | Breast cancer. (2018). Retrieved 25 September 2019, from https://breastcancer.canceraustralia.gov.au/statistics