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Why was the Foundation set up?
Cindy expressed a desire to give back to the community that so generously supported her. During her own treatment for breast cancer, Cindy met many other sufferers and their families. It became apparent to her during this time that a grassroots organisation was needed on the Sunshine Coast to help with the little things that make a difference to those suffering with breast cancer. John and a small group of close friends turned that idea into a reality creating the Cindy Mackenzie Breast Cancer Foundation.
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What is the Foundation all about?
The Foundation is all about making a difference to Sunshine Coast families living with breast cancer that may be financially, as well as emotionally and spiritually, challenged by the illness.
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What does the Foundation do …what are its objectives?
The Foundation’s guiding vision is “helping families, making a difference”. Its objectives are to support and assist Sunshine Coast breast cancer sufferers and their families, particularly those patients who are terminally ill; assist patients to cope with their illness; provide them and their families with appropriate and practical support including financial, emotional and advisory; and ensure the funds it raises on the Sunshine Coast are directed, in the first instance to breast cancer sufferers living on the Coast.
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How do you help breast cancer sufferers and their families?
Facilitate practical domestic support for instance home cooked nutritious meals, cleaning, child care, ironing, gardening; creating special memories with family for example sending the family on a small holiday, creating a memory book; provide one-off financial assistance to go towards such things as surgery, pharmacy bills or a prosthesis. Organise a pamper morning such a massage, facial or manicure.
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What are your long term objectives?
Continue to build the Foundation awareness through continual fund raising events so that funds can be disbursed to breast cancer sufferers and their families.
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The Foundation was launched in April 2007, when will you provide assistance to families?
With the help and support of the Sunshine Coast community our goal is to start providing limited practical and financial support by the end of 2009.
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How do breast cancer sufferers apply for assistance?
An application form will be posted to the website when the support programme is rolled out at the end of 2009. In the meantime, email the Foundation or fax cmbcf 07/5476 7046.
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Do breast cancer sufferers need to apply in person or can a friend/relative apply on their behalf?
Yes, others can apply on their behalf, e.g. health care worker, friend or relative. The application must include a medical certificate from the patient’s GP or surgeon with date of diagnosis.
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What can breast cancer sufferers apply for?
The first stage of the programme will allow people to apply for either a one off payment of $500 or a combination of cash and vouchers for home help (housework, ironing, gardening or meals) to the value of $500.
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Can people apply who have received a grant previously from other sources i.e. the Cancer Council Queensland?
Yes.
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Do you prioritise families above singles, terminal cases above non-terminal cases?
Each application is discussed and evaluated on its own merit.
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Who approves the application?
Upon approval by the Foundation’s Education and Public Awareness sub-committee the application will be submitted to the Foundation Management Committee for a final decision.
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I’d like to support the Foundation, how can I help?
Organise a fundraising event; corporate sponsorship; make salary deductions and get your employer to match; purchase or sell merchandise; make a cash donation to the Foundation in lieu of presents or flowers; organize a free dress day at your school or work place. For further details visit our website at www.cmbcf.com.au
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Someone I know has passed away and the family wishes to have donations made to the Foundation instead of sending flowers. Does the Foundation accept donations in lieu?
Yes. The family can request this in the funeral notice in the newspaper. Should envelopes be required at the funeral service the Foundation would be pleased to facilitate this. Please phone us on 1300 55 77 10. A summary of total donations can be provided to the family. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
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What is the status of the charity?
The Foundation is a registered charity in the state of Queensland and is income tax exempt. It received its incorporated association status on March 29, 2007 and its Deductible Gift Recipient Status (DGR) on March 30, 2007. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
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Is there anything else like this on the Coast?
The Foundation is a local breast cancer charity supporting families on the Sunshine Coast. Our unique point of difference … money raised on the Coast stays on the Coast.
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Why did you set this up and not become a part of one of the National Breast Cancer Organisations?
There are many fabulous breast cancer charities around Queensland and Australia, but only the Cindy Mackenzie Breast Cancer Foundation is specifically aimed at helping the Sunshine Coast community.
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How much is public education part of what you do?
Public education is very important. We have links on our website to other breast cancer organizations. A number of our Ambassadors and General Committee are either breast cancer survivors or involved in cancer care. They are committed to raising awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer and to promoting the activities of the Foundation within our community.
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How are you managed?
The Foundation is managed by a Management Committee and sub-committee of volunteers who are committed to maintaining the vision of Cindy Mackenzie and who have the best interests of the Foundation at heart. They have a wide range of professional skills and a strong sense of commitment to the Sunshine Coast community.
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