QIMR Berghofer recognises community support

Two Humanitarian Awards have been presented to acknowledge outstanding community contributions to the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

Sunsuper has been a supporter of QIMR Berghofer through the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer since 2011 when they signed up to be the “Powered By” sponsor.

QIMR Berghofer Director Professor Gannon said Sunsuper’s contribution went well beyond their sponsorship.

“Each year of the Ride, dedicated staff formed the ‘Sunsuper Dream Team’, volunteering their time and efforts to fundraise and take on the challenge of riding the 200 kilometres in two days,” Professor Gannon said.

“In addition, employees, friends and family were encouraged to take part as volunteers and crew, helping to make sure riders were looked after.

“Since 2011, the Sunsuper Dream team raised $500,000 for QIMR Berghofer’s cancer research.”

Sunsuper’s Executive General Manager, Customer Experience and Insights Teifi Whatley said she was honoured to accept the award on behalf of Sunsuper’s staff and members.

“Sunsuper became involved with QIMR Berghofer through the Ride as there would be very few among our more than one million members and 600 staff who hadn’t been affected by cancer in some way,” said Ms Whatley.

“We are thrilled to accept this award and we’d like to thank and acknowledge all of QIMR Berghofer’s staff, scientists and researchers for the inspiring work they’re doing to help cure cancer.”

Professor Gannon said Bob Rice and Robyn Bailey – organisers of the GPT Charity Golf Day since 2004 – are the other worthy recipients of QIMR Berghofer’s Humanitarian Awards this year.

Mr Rice made the decision to make QIMR Berghofer the beneficiary of the event after his mother died from cancer.

“The corporate golf day (originally known as the Riverside Golf Day) has raised more than $230,000 for QIMR Berghofer,” Professor Gannon said.

Mr Rice said it was a great honour to receive the award.

“Hopefully the GPT Charity Golf Day can continue to help QIMR Berghofer, so QIMR Berghofer can continue to help people,” Mr Rice said.

Professor Gannon said such acts of generosity make an enormous difference to QIMR Berghofer, and allow its scientists to continue their world-leading research.

“We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support groups and individuals provide to the Institute in so many ways,” Professor Gannon said.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed in 2014.

“We look forward to reporting back to the community in 2015 on the advances in medical research which their support has enabled us to achieve.”