One BarbeCURE at a time
Philanthropy is already a way of life for many individuals and businesses in Australia. Victoria Kvisle, whose family has been involved with Cure Cancer for almost fifty years, encourages us all to find a way to serve and care for those around us.
In Australia, one doesn’t have to look far today to find someone doing good—whether it’s Hugh Jackman committed to supporting orphans around the world, or my daughter who takes wheelchair bound people out on excursions once a month. From someone running a marathon for Cantoo or purchasing a legacy badge on their way out of the shopping centre, philanthropy is now a way of life for many Australians.
But philanthropy has also made an entrance into the business world. Charitable causes are no longer dominated by non-profits; now they’re embraced by the white-collar CEO and the tech-savvy twenty-something alike. In this “uber-connected” world of smart phones and social media, businesspeople are realising consumer conscientiousness is at an all-time high and people want to feel good about the products they buy—whether it’s by purchasing a bag of fair-trade coffee or a handmade purse from India.
I love how businesses like TOMS Shoes and Warby Parker are able to legitimately give back to the world in an impactful way and, at the same time, make a profit. From a business perspective, this idea of uniting products with meaningful causes makes sense—people can relate to it and want to tell others about it. It’s free marketing and, because they’re making a profit, sustainable philanthropy.
Of course, these days, through a status update or tweet, we can declare our compassion without actually interacting with a real individual in need, and it doesn’t matter how big or small your best gift is, or even if all you can do for a time is create awareness of a need – just do something! It’s important for all of us to realise how blessed we are and give whatever time, talents, or money we can.
Serving and caring for those around you will always demand sacrifice. But that sacrifice doesn’t need to be overwhelming and that’s what I love about Cure Cancer Australia’s new national awareness and fundraising campaign aimed at inspiring all Australians to help fund a cure for all cancers. All Australian’s love a barbecue, and you can simply invite a few guests to your home and host a small barbecue or you can organise a street party and invite everyone and charge a little extra to be donated to cancer research or a huge corporate event. It is a quintessential part of our way of life and brings people together. So throughout the months of April and May, Cure Cancer Australia is asking Australians to make their next barbecue a BarbeCURE and help fund the cure for cancer.
Cure Cancer Australia is an Australian charity, that my family and I have been involved with for almost fifty years, which receives no government funding and exclusively focusses on funding Australia’s brightest emerging researchers to combat all types of cancer. Cure Cancer Australia fund the innovators, the most brilliant brains, that look at the cancer challenge from differing perspectives. These are the next generation of researchers most likely to advance the fight against cancer.
I love the ease and social enjoyment of this BarbeCURE campaign. Families, communities, businesses coming together and enjoying a meal with friends, whilst raising money for life saving research.
So this weekend I’m hosting my own Brazilian BarbeCURE with 100 friends at a local restaurant. It will be a wonderful night of food, entertainment and dancing. Everyone will have a great time, whilst raising funds for Cure Cancer Australia.
Making a difference has never been so easy and convenient. With a couple of clicks of the mouse we can buy shoes from TOMS or eyeglasses from Warby Parker and know that each organisation will distribute an extra pair to someone in need. In the same way, you too can help fund the cure for cancer.
You don’t need to be a scientist to help cure cancer. You don’t need to have loaded pockets. Anyone can help make a small difference – and in my case, help cure cancer one BarbeCURE at a time.
Victoria Kvisle is the Business Director of J&J Frank Holdings, a property/ investment company based in Sydney. Victoria has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of NSW, is a CPA, JP and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her community service has included the Redlanders Alumni and SCEGGS Redlands Alumni Committee, Roseville College Vice President of the P&F, Executive of the Ladies Auxiliary, Member of the Roseville College Appeals Committee and Chairman of the 2007 Valedictory Committee, the Shore School fundraising committees and Annual New Parents Welcome committees, winner of the 2002 Roseville Chase Rotary Award and district delegate of the Lindfield Scout Group. Victoria Kvisle’s family has been involved with Cure Cancer Australia almost since inception in 1967.
