The following speech was given by Elders Chairman, John Ballard, at the recent media event to announce the funding of the 67th McGrath Elders Breast Care Nurse:
It gives me great pleasure to celebrate the announcement of funding a McGrath Elders Breast Care Nurse based in Broken Hill ‘ the 67th such nurse and the first of its kind to take to the skies thanks to the additional support offered by our friends at the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
As Chairman of Elders I am fortunate to travel across Australia and I can say with absolute certainty that the great work done by the McGrath Foundation holds a special please in the hearts of our staff.
Indeed Glenn, in his role as Elders ambassador has cemented his reputation as one of Australia’s favourite sons and continues to be warmly welcome by our clients and staff alike in his many travels throughout Australia.
There is no doubt that Jane’s tragic passing three years ago has given rise to a legacy that helps Australians who are battling breast cancer in some of our most remote parts of the country.
I remain impressed by the commitment of Elders staff in supporting this cause and their constantly creative ways to raise money for the McGrath Foundation, which now totals more than $330,000.
This has included the mandatory sausage sizzle at many of our 380 locations across Australia, but other activities have seen auctioning of cricket memorabilia ‘ a tactic that always seems to promote spirited bidding at client days and regional shows.
One of our standout fundraising results at an Elders client day held at Wagga Wagga saw Poll Dorset breeders help to raise more than $8,000, with a first prize being a dinner for 9 people with Glenn. Whilst they say there is no such thing as a free lunch, it proves that dinner certainly comes at a cost ‘ for a good cause.
Whether it’s been big donations or small, it is pleasing to see that the generosity of our staff and clients has made a difference in taking the vision of a support and care network for those with cancer to some of the most remote parts of our country.
Thank you
John Ballard
Chairman
Elders
