The Mossman Port Douglas Volunteer Branch has been awarded for their efforts in raising funds for the Cancer Council Queensland after participated in this year’s CancerFree Challenge for the first time.
 
An awards dinner was held at in Mission Beach last Saturday night where representatives of groups gathered from across northern Queensland.
 
The Mossman Port Douglas Branch was awarded with the highest fundraising honours in the 'Rookie of the Region (Far North Queensland)' category.  

The Branch raised over $24,000 through the various fundraising campaigns held throughout the year including Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Relay for Life, Call to Arms, Daffodil Day, Girls Night In and Pink Ribbon Day.
 
"This sort of money cannot be raised with out the support of local business who donate prizes and provide sponsorship and the generosity of the community for getting behind the Branch’s events," said secretary of the Mossman Port Douglas Volunteer Branch, Raelene McDonald.

Lynsie James, Regional Fundraising Coordinator for the Cancer Council Queensland   was equally grateful to the volunteer group.

"We’re extremely grateful for the very hard work that the Mossman Port Douglas volunteer branch does to raise money to fund our services such as this lodge, research programs, and prevention and early detection programs.  I extend our thanks to the local community that supports this dedicated volunteer branch," she said.
 
The money raised has been able to help the Cancer Council Queensland secure an accommodation site in Cairns for cancer patients who require treatment.  

The new accommodation is due to be available by July next year to coincide with the opening of the Oncology Unit in Cairns.

"The opening of these two facilities in Cairns will eliminate some local patients having to travel to Townsville or Brisbane," Ms McDonald said.

In the Far North Queensland region, more than 1,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and more than 400 Far North Queenslanders die of the disease.

Ms McDonald said although the Mossman Port Douglas Branch has completed its activities for 2010, volunteers for next year are welcome with the group reconvening in February.

"We monthly meetings at the Mossman Hospital boardroom every third Tuesday to discuss upcoming fundraising events, promotion of awareness in the area and we have a representative from the CCQ attend each meeting," she said.
 
For more information visit the Cancer Council Queensland, Building on Hope webpage.