The Mother’s Day Classic is one of those special charity events that guarantees participation by tens of thousands of people across Australia. Browse any website following the Mother’s Day event (every second Sunday of May) and you’ll see smiling participants in pink raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation no matter the weather.
Some have their own poignant reasons for taking part, perhaps after the loss of a loved one. Some will be fighting the cancer themselves, or may have already beaten it. And others might not have any direct link to the disease, but just want to show their support and raise funds in the battle against it.
History
The event started in 1998, organized by Women in Super, an initiative to provide networking opportunities for women working in the superannuation and financial industries. The organization had only started in 1994, so the creation of such a heralded and brilliant event was a great achievement in view of how prominent it has become.
Talking to Women’s Weekly, founder Louise Davidson – who lost her mother to the disease in that same year – said: “My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 50, and she died at 52. I was her main carer and supporter during her illness. Aside from my personal grief, it seemed quite shocking to me that someone could die so young from this disease.”
Statistics
Last year there were 105 regional MDC events from Adelaide to Perth and Brisbane, which brought the overall total of money raised up to $27.4m. The aim for 2016 is $4m. Since the event began, five-year survival rates for women diagnosed with breast cancer have increased and now stand at 89% of those diagnosed.
On the official Mother’s Day Classic website there’s a leaderboard of community fundraisers showing the largest single donations, with top individual spot so far going to Tracey Lynn for her mighty donation of $5,000 and top team effort belonging to Kerry Team 10/100 for a donation of more than $10,000.
Participate
Because there are so many events across the country, encouraging running or walking as participation, there’s huge scope for women and girls of all description to take part.
The general distance is 4km or more in a park or on a circuit, but this is decided by organisers. All events hold a prize-giving, and also a minute of silence for those lost to breast cancer.
There’s a real camaraderie to the events, and one of the best ways to take part is through the creation of a team, both in training and participation. Even if you do not or cannot participate in the actual run, you might be able to host a marquee or help in another way.
Your family probably won’t need reminding of the importance of the event beforehand, but you can still show them some appreciation. You could choose to create create perfect mother’s day gifts such as prints, cushions, or mum books to show how much you care. And afterwards, when you’ve got your photographs back and you’re proud of everyone who participated, you’ll have some great material to mark the special day.
For more information on how to take part, go to www.mothersdayclassic.com.au.
