McGrath Foundation Cancer Care nurses join Illawarra police to launch this year’s Charity Ball. Photo: NSW Police.
The boys and girls in blue will be turning a lighter shade of pink for the Illawarra Police Charity Ball in July.
One of the longest-running police balls in the state, funds raised from this year’s event will go to the McGrath Foundation Cancer Care Nurses as well as a share to Police Legacy.
Held since 1985, apart from a three-year break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ball has raised more than $500,000 for Illawarra and South Coast charities including the Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward, Lifeline South Coast, South Coast Disabled Surfers Association, Illawarra Cancer Carers, KidzWish and Orange Sky Laundry.
Last year it raised more than $14,500 for the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra for its Youth Scholarship Program.
The first charity ball at the Fraternity Club raised funds for the Bulli Hospital palliative care ward and the Wollongong Cancer Awareness Support Group.
It was the brainchild of Sergeant Beverley Lawson, who went on to become the state’s first female deputy commissioner.
Both causes were close to the heart of the then Sgt Lawson, who was a cancer survivor only six months away from remission.
Illawarra Police Charity Ball Committee president Chief Superintendent John Klepczarek said there were plans to expand this year’s event.
“We’re tickled pink to be returning to the Fraternity Club, where the event began back in 1985,” he said.
“We really want to extend the invite to all members of the community and we believe raising money for the McGrath Foundation which has such a far-reaching impact will do just that.
“This is a whole of community event and we would love to see the entire community support such a worthy cause and sport a shade of pink in honour of this year’s charity.
“Sadly, many of us have been touched by cancer and with the McGrath Foundation now raising money for all cancer patients, not just those suffering breast cancer, we know this money will go a long way to helping patients across the Illawarra and South Coast.”
McGrath nurse Larissa Smith said her role was to be a support and source of information for cancer patients and their families.
She is one of seven breast cancer nurses and two all-cancer nurses who work out of Wollongong and Shoalhaven cancer care services.
“This year alone, we have seen in excess of 150 early breast cancer patients and about 90 urogenital patients,” she said.
“Fundraising efforts like the charity ball are very important, as our service is free and the data shows that one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime before 85 years old.
“Our support has a proven impact on the patient’s journey and their families.”
The event will include fundraising activities including a raffle and live auction. Prizes include a pink bat signed by one of Australia’s most successful fast bowlers, Glenn McGrath, and signed sunglasses from the Australian cricket team.
The Frocks and the NSW Police Band will provide entertainment.
The Illawarra Police Charity Ball will be held on Friday 4 July at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow. Tickets, at $150 per person, can be purchased through Trybooking Australia.
