STAWELL Athletic Club has announced Cancer Council Victoria as the official charity of this year’s Stawell Gift.
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This is the first time the event has had a specific charity in its 133-year history.
Club president Jeremy Irvine said it was great to be supporting a worthwhile cause.
“Over the years many members of the club and wider community have been affected by cancer in some capacity,” he said.
“Cancer Council Victoria does a wonderful job in providing support for people with cancer, as well as educating the community about early prevention, and researching cures.
“We hope this partnering will help raise cancer awareness in the community and for the thousands of spectators and athletes who attend the Australia Post Stawell Gift each year.”
Cancer Council Victoria will be at the Stawell Gift, on April 18-21, with a sunscreen station, Sid the Seagull mascot on Family Day, and a Big Wheel that will give spectators the chance to win a prize valued at $100,000.
Cancer Council Victoria head of fundraising and communication division Deborah Stringer said the organisation was honoured to be named as the official charity.
She said the Stawell Gift encouraged people to get active while being sun smart.
“We know that one third of cancers can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes, such as exercise and using sun protection,'' she said.
“Every year, almost 30,000 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer, and 11,000 die from the disease.
"Funds raised at the 2014 Australia Post Stawell Gift will help us in our ongoing fight against cancer through our critical research, prevention and support services.”