Main funding purpose: Research into solid cancerous 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
2023/2024 Auxiliary Report
The past year has been very successful for CIKA. We commenced funding a research assistant in Professor Eisenstat’s laboratory at the MCRI, focusing on solid tumours. This will continue for three years and we are looking for a second project.
An Open Laboratory Day was held for members and supporters, where we met Professor Eisenstat and some of his research assistants and visited the Biobank. We left with a much wider understanding and appreciation of the work they undertake.
The 28th Wood Days event saw lovely weather, large crowds and was a great fundraiser. Members acknowledge the efforts of Christine and Andrew in organising and running the events for the past 28 years and all their supporters. Sincere thanks Christine and Andrew.
Special thanks to the two stall coordinators for running the stalls at RCH and in Bendigo, their assistants and suppliers, and also to the FOCUS group and the Bendigo postal workers for their long-term support.
Office bearers
President: Sandra Lehrer
Secretary: Wendy Halligan
Treasurer: James Dawson
Contact
Sandra Lehrer
Phone
0409 369 853
Email
[email protected]
Web
cika.org.au
