Main funding purpose: Cancer research (solid tumours)
The story so far
Cancer in Kids @ RCH (CIKA) was founded in 1980 by three sets of parents whose children had died from a solid cancerous tumour. Since its inception, CIKA has raised over $4.5 million, with all funds directed to clinical research within the Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) at the RCH and at the MCRI.
CIKA has broad support in Melbourne and country Victoria and over the years has held a wide range of activities including annual balls, golf days, bike rides, country and western shows, head shaves, wood days, calendar sales, as well as stalls at the RCH and The Pines Shopping Centre. Auxiliary members also participate in regional stalls at Woodend, Trentham and Kangaroo Flat, plus high teas and Melbourne Cup Luncheons in Bendigo. The annual Wood Days are in their 26th year and the weekend event held each year in November at Milltown attracts visitors and volunteers from all over Victoria. The event is managed by the Duyvestyn family, who, in 2013 embarked on a coach drive through Western Victoria to Melbourne. The drive raised $72,000 and with the funds, CIKA was able to purchase a Leica Microscope for the CCC.
Throughout its history, CIKA has had great and continued support from the Macedon Ranges Focus Group, Methodist Ladies College, the Lions Club from District 201V2 and its Patron, newsreader, Peter Mitchell. All the money CIKA raises goes to fund research. For more information and to see what activities are taking place to support CIKA please visit the CIKA website: www.cika.org.au
2022/2023 Auxiliary Report
In the last year CIKA completed its funding of the CCC Biobank. This is the largest project undertaken by CIKA, lasting ten years and involving around $1.5 million. We are very proud to be associated with this project, given its potential to enhance cancer research for years to come. CIKA is presently working with the RCH Foundation to fund two new projects. Generous donations and bequests boosted funds, with a freezer purchased for the Biobank. Members and supporters were pleased stalls returned to RCH and stalls were also held in Melbourne and the Bendigo area. The annual Wood Days event was a great success and continues to receive solid support from the local community. It was wonderful attending in person, with online sales and a silent auction boosting funds. We would like to thank our families, friends and supporters who have assisted us with their services and made or sourced the wonderful products we sell. Special thanks to Macedon Ranges FOCUS and the Bendigo Posties.
Office bearers
President: Sandra Lehrer
Vice President: Ellen Webb
Secretary: Wendy Halligan
Treasurer: James Dawson
Contact
Sandra Lehrer
Phone
0409 369 853
Email
[email protected]
Web
cika.org.au
