One thing the global pandemic has made abundantly clear is that medical research can save lives, improve the general quality of life, and reduce the awful cost of preventable illness and death on society in the long term.
Of course, we can’t all be the brilliant scientists doing the medical research or the hard-working doctors and nurses administering the latest treatments. Nor can most of us use celebrity clout to increase public awareness. But we can all assist with vital medical research by raising funds for trusted institutions such as the Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF).
What sort of research benefits from this fundraising?
The LMRF supports research into asthma, diabetes, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, immunology, and many more. So, it is cutting-edge research in these important fields and others that will benefit from any funds you raise for the foundation.
Past examples of LMRF backing include funding the early stages of Professor Ian Frazer’s research into cervical cancer, which ultimately resulted in the development of the hugely successful Gardasil vaccine. LMRF currently provides funding for Associate Professor Carlos Salomon to continue his breakthrough research into identifying markers that can detect early-stage ovarian cancer through a blood test. The ratio of women getting ovarian cancer is 1:79 and only 46% will survive past 5 years. This is alarming!! Ovarian cancer is known as a the ‘silent killer’ as unfortunately once symptoms appear, the cancer has already progressed. With Dr Carlos’ new breakthrough, in approximately 4 years this new blood test will be available to identify the cancer before it is too late.
How can I raise funds for the LMRF?
Firstly, it’s worth noting that the Lions Medical Research Foundation is a non-for-profit organisation and a registered deductible gift recipient, so every single donation is tax deductible and is greatly appreciated. The LMRF has been supporting ground-breaking medical research since 1963 and could not have done so without a lot of fund-raising activities, many of them carried out by Lions Clubs throughout Queensland and Northern NSW.
However, the LMRF welcomes partnerships with companies and individuals who believe in its work and wish to contribute by raising money. Fashion parades, sausage sizzles and movie nights are just three activities which participating groups/persons might wish to stage as fundraisers, with the proceeds going to the LMRF. But if you’ve got another idea for something that could be good for the local community AND good for medical research, don’t hesitate to suggest it to us!
What if I’m a Lions Club member?
If you’re a Lions Club member then raising funds for medical research via LMRF is even easier, thanks to the Drop a Coin Campaign. It involves reaching out to pubs and clubs in your area, requesting permission to visit at an agreed-upon time – with trusty bucket in hand – and collecting coin donations from patrons.
Should your club wish to join this growing campaign, contact us and we’ll put you in touch with the Lions Medical Research Foundation Director in your region. They’ll let you know exactly what you need to do to get started.
Contacting the LMRF
Ready to help with vital medical research through fundraising for the LMRF? Our various contact details and a web-based contact form are all available here.