AUSSIES DON A BUCKET HAT FOR KIDS FACING CANCER ON NATIONAL BUCKET HAT DAY

Media Release

27 September 2021

National children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality, is calling on all Aussies to strike a pose in their favourite bucket hat on September 30, as they launch National Bucket Hat Day to support children impacted by cancer.

Seventy percent of Australians are unaware that more children die from cancer than any other disease in Australia, so Camp Quality is asking Aussies to show their support by posting their bucket hat snaps to social media using #BucketHatDay.

Joining charities around the world who are putting a spotlight on childhood cancer in September as a part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Camp Quality ambassadors Lachy Gillespie from The Wiggles and Pixie Curtis, daughter of Roxy Jacenko, will both be donning bucket hats for this important cause.

“I’m excited to wear my favourite bucket hat for National Bucket Hat Day and show my support to other kids affected by cancer. When my mum was sick, I was really scared but I had lots of people looking out for me. I want other kids to know that they’re not alone, and that’s why I’ll be wearing my hat!” says Pixie.

ALDI is joining in the fun and supporting the cause by introducing three exclusive bucket hats for all ages as part of their Special Buys on Saturday the 25th September, while stocks last. All proceeds from the sales of the bucket hats will be donated to Camp Quality, giving kids facing cancer the chance to be kids again. 

“Visiting children in hospital with The Wiggles, I see first-hand the heartbreaking impact of cancer on families. I’m always amazed at the incredible strength of the children. That’s why I’m proud to shine a light on children across the country who are impacted by cancer by wearing my bucket hat .” says Lachy.

In 2020, it was estimated that around 870 children aged between 0 -14 years were diagnosed with cancer, [1]  and approximately16,000 children aged up to 15 years are impacted by a parent or primary carer’s cancer. 2

Camp Quality CEO, Deborah Thomas says that it is a crucial time to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

“Camp Quality supports over 9000 kids impacted by cancer who are registered for our services and programs, and with childhood cancer on the increase, the demand for our services is greater than ever before. No child should have to face the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and I hope everyone will join me in showing their support by wearing a bucket hat on 30th September.

For more ways to get involved in National Bucket Hat Day on September 30, visit BucketHatDay.org.au.  You can also Buy a bucket hat as part of ALDI’s Special Buys on Saturday 25th September for $9.99 and support Camp Quality!

For hi res images click here

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About Camp Quality 

Camp Quality gives kids facing cancer the chance to be kids again. 

Camp Quality’s services and programs are created specifically to support children aged up to 15 years, who are dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or the diagnosis of someone they love, like a brother, sister, mum, dad or carer.

Camp Quality provides kids, their siblings and parents, with fun experiences, education, specialised cancer care, counselling and a supportive community; in-hospital, online, at school and away from it all on camps and at our retreats. Camp Quality services and programs help kids and families at every stage of the cancer experience in the following ways:

In hospital: The Camp Quality Puppets provide fun and distraction for kids at their hospital bedsides, which boosts their mental wellbeing. Camp Quality sponsored Child Life Therapists support children undergoing cancer treatment to reduce anxiety and the need for sedation. 

Online: Live streamed Puppet Digital Playdates bring the Camp Quality Puppets to children isolated by cancer, on their personal electronic device. The Kids’ Guide to Cancer and New Normal Navigator apps provide cancer education and trusted resources. The Happiness Hub website is home to kids’ activities and wellbeing content; Interactive Virtual Camps allow children to enjoy the camp experience online.

At school: The Camp Quality Puppets present the Primary School Cancer Education Program to dispel cancer myths, create an inclusive school community and prevent bullying.

Away from it all: Our Kids’ Camps and Family Camps give children and their families a break from cancer. As do our memorable one-day events, Family Fun Days and Family Experiences. We also provide respite in the most difficult stages of cancer at our Retreats.   

Camp Quality raises funds to ensure the ~9000 kids facing cancer, who are registered for our services and programs, have the chance to just be kids again. 

In the last 5 years:

• Over 4,700 kids facing cancer attended 140 Kids’ Camps across Australia. 
• Almost 4,500 kids facing cancer from over 1,900 families attended 200 camps.  
• Over 607,000 students watched our Primary School Cancer Education Program at around 4,000 schools. 

Media Enquiries: E: stephanie@effie&co.com.au M: 0411 186 893

[1] Australian Government - Cancer Australia website 

2. Canteen 2021