Sony Foundation Australia and Tabcorp have collaborated to support young Australians with cancer with an intimate morning tea campaign launch held at Star City last week (7 Oct.)
The campaign’s public appeal – You Can – is a national campaign which aims to raise $15 million to build youth cancer centres across Australia.
You Can is an initiative of the Sony Foundation Australia and Canteen. The fundraising mechanic is simple, encouraging Australians to donate their old mobile phones, which will be recycled and turned into much needed funds.
Ambassador Natalie Gruzlewski (Channel Nine television presenter) at the launch
Australians can now drop off any unwanted mobile phones into You Can donation bins in more than 300 TAB agencies in NSW and Victoria, racecourses and at Star City in Sydney, Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast, Treasury Casino and Hotel in Brisbane and Jupiters Townsville. Each donated phone is worth approximately $5 after it is refurbished and resold, with the funds going to You Can.
“Tabcorp is delighted to get behind You Can and to make available its retail distribution network to help deliver positive change for young people fighting cancer,” said Tabcorp CEO Elmer Funke Kupper. “Customers who donate any old mobile phone will be making a meaningful contribution to You Can’s efforts to create specialised youth cancer centers across Australia.”
Sony Foundation is the charitable arm of the Sony group of companies in Australia.
“We are very enthusiastic about our new relationship with Tabcorp,” said CEO of Sony Foundation Sophie Ryan. “Working with Tabcorp provides the opportunity to spread the message about the You Can campaign to millions of Australians. By placing You Can phone collection bins in many of Tabcorp’s retail venues, we hope to collect even more donated old mobile phones. Thanks to this fantastic support from Tabcorp, together we can help change the future for young Australians battling with cancer.”
CEO of Tabcorp Elmer Funke Kupper and CEO of Sony Foundation Sophie Ryan.
“Currently, in Australia, cancer is the biggest disease killer of our teenagers. Australians aged 15 to 30 are the only generation for whom there has been no improvement in cancer survival outcomes for 25 years,” said Ryan.
The youth cancer centres will improve survival outcomes and give young Australians a fighting chance. Some centers will be built from scratch and others will be created by renovating existing wards. All will require hard work, money and commitment.
Through the Youth Cancer Networks Program, the Australian Government has committed $15 million to improve services, support and care for adolescents and young adults with cancer. By bringing the You Can bins to the people, Tabcorp and Sony Foundation Australia aim to maximise the opportunity to raise significant funds, changing the landscape for young Australians battling to survive cancer.
The campaign is supported by a group of high profile ambassadors, who will encourage Australians to donate their phones through advertisements to be heard on Tabcorp’s Sky Sports Radio network. The ambassadors include: Corey Brown (Emirates Melbourne Cup winning jockey) Emma Freedman (Channel Nine television presenter and David Jones ambassador) Natalie Gruzlewski (Channel Nine television presenter) Hamish McLachlan (Host, Channel Seven’s AFL Game Day) among others.
