Spring for Research is Lions Medical Research Foundation’s annual appeal conducted – as the name suggests – during the months of September, October and November. It has been going since 2014 and has been gaining momentum each year.
What is the Concept Behind It?
The idea behind Spring for Research is to bring some of the hope of the season to those suffering from debilitating illnesses who may previously have had little hope. This is achieved through doing what LMRF does best: funding ground-breaking medical research.
Traditionally, Spring is a time of new life, regrowth, warmth and happiness – but, sadly, not for everyone. However, thanks to campaigns such as this one, researchers working at the cutting edge of medical science continue to make breakthroughs, allowing more people to share in the hope associated with this time of year.
What Sort of Research Does It Fund?
To give two examples, current LMRF funding projects include Dr Olivia Holland’s research into gestational diabetes and Associate Professor Carlos Salomon’s research into ovarian cancer. Dr Holland is investigating the links between placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications, while Professor Salomon has made a breakthrough that should eventually lead to a new blood test that can detect ovarian cancer in its early stages.
Needless to say, these are two areas where patients – and their loved ones – could do with some of the hope of Spring. But they are only two of the many projects LMRF has assisted financially in its nearly 58 years of existence, and with the continued help of our supporters there will be countless more.
OK, How Can I Help?
The easiest way to get behind Spring for Research is to make a tax-deductible donation of whatever amount you can afford. No donation is too big or too small! You can do this by mailing us a cheque, authorising a credit card payment, or simply direct-depositing the funds to our LMRF account if that’s most convenient for you.
Those who really want to spring into Spring, taking advantage of the warmer weather and extra energy it provides, also have the option of staging a fundraising event, with the proceeds going towards Spring for Research. In that case, please contact us with your idea and we’ll let you know where to go from there.
Some Lions clubs may want to contribute as a group, with each member donating $5. This is another great way of making a difference.
Whichever way you choose to give, as a personal donation, a community-based or not-for-profit organisation, LMRF gratefully accepts all donations as a form of generosity.
What happens next?
From our point of view, we get to work putting the money raised during Spring for Research towards further ground-breaking medical research. From your point of view, you might decide to make contributing to Spring for Research an annual part of your calendar as well.
For many, Spring is the happiest time of the year – gardens in bloom, baby animals, weather neither too hot nor too cold – and it seems only fair to try to pass on some of this good fortune to those unable to fully enjoy the season due to their struggles with a debilitating illness. Spring for Research is one way proven to bring hope.