EY professionals prepare for charity walk in support of cancer research
Hundreds of EY professionals are set to participate in a 21 kilometer harbour walk in Sydney next month to raise funds for cancer research, prevention and support.
The Sydney branch of professional services firm Ernst & Young has teamed up with charity organisation Tour De Cure to help raise funds for cancer research, support, and prevention programs. The ‘EY Stride for a Cure’ event will take place on the 12th of October and invites employees and associates of all fitness levels to walk 21 kilometers along the Sydney Harbour, with almost a quarter of the $400,000 target already raised.
Established in 2007 with the bold ambition of curing cancer, Tour De Cure has since raised over $100 million via sponsored cycling tours, walking days and other gala events in the fight against the disease, with the more than 800 research projects funded leading to 130 major breakthroughs.
In addition, the charity provides support to those undergoing treatment and their caregivers and families, as well as running awareness programs in schools.
With an estimated near-50,000 deaths from cancer in Australia last year alone, it’s likely that most people in the country have been deeply impacted by the disease – including those at EY. In a touching note, the firm said its inaugural charity walk would be held in honour of Hayley Bourke, a senior EY business consultant who died from melanoma at the end of last year after having turned to raising awareness upon her terminal diagnosis.
“A cherished member of our team who lost her brave fight in December 2022, Hayley will be remembered for her fighting spirit, bright smile, and the incredible work she undertook as a melanoma cancer awareness advocate. She worked closely with the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, supporting their education program. We strive to continue spreading awareness about melanoma, an important cause that Hayley held close to her heart.”
According to the event webpage, more than five dozen teams and almost 750 individuals have signed up with two teams from the firm’s assurance division – HolEY Walkamolies and Sydney Assurance IPS – leading the way in terms of funds raised to date, both having already brought in in excess of $10,000 in donations. As to individuals, assurance senior manager Constance Lim is the current clubhouse leader, personally raising almost $6,500 so far.
Another top fundraiser, recently admitted assurance partner Amanda Gong, said on LinkedIn; “It won't be easy, but I am determined to complete this challenge with my amazing team and make a positive impact. The reason this cause is incredibly special to me is because one of my best friends is currently in the process of recovering from cancer. Her strength and resilience has inspired me to take action and help others facing similar journeys.”
While participants can go at their own pace, they’ll also be supported by a team of volunteers and marshals along the 21 kilometer route across Gadigal country, which begins in the CBD and wends its way through many of the city’s iconic districts; Darling Harbour, The Rocks, and Royal Botanic Gardens to name a few. There will also be official stops for morning tea and lunch along the route, with celebratory refreshments at its conclusion.
