Tangalooma’s pledge to make waves on shores both near and far for kids with cancer
2025-05-12
The beautiful slice of beachfront that is Tangalooma Island Resort is one loved by many. The tropical oasis on Moreton Island looks like an idyllic place to drop the anchor and come ashore for some much-needed downtime.
On Pirate Day, Tangalooma is hoping to entice the picaroons of the Pacific to join them as they raise vital funds for brain cancer research. On 15 May, the resort is planning an exciting pirate-themed activation, transforming the guest experience into a swashbuckling adventure.
Staff will be dressed for the occasion in vests, eye patches and swords, with pirate-themed cocktails (plus mocktails for the little buccaneers) and activities also on the menu. All proceeds will fund The Kids’ Cancer Project’s selection of innovative brain cancer research projects, with an aim to significantly increase awareness via the activation.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the fight against childhood cancer,” says Emma Small, Tangalooma’s Sales and Sponsorships Manager.
“Our favourite moment is always handing over the cheque representing the funds raised. Knowing that each dollar contributed will directly impact the lives of children and families battling this horrific disease is incredibly rewarding.”
Tangalooma’s partnership with The Kids’ Cancer Project was formed after a manager’s devastating personal experience, with one of their children tragically diagnosed with cancer.
The personal experiences motivated the resort to do more, resulting in Tangalooma donating $5 to the charity for each whale sighting over the course of the season. This has since evolved into providing Tangalooma experiences for raffle prizes, the hosting of ambassadors and other activations not unlike the one planned for this year’s Pirate Day proceedings.
“Every child deserves the chance to live a healthy life, and funding research brings us closer to that goal. The impact on families is profound, and supporting research offers hope for improved outcomes and a future where childhood cancer is eradicated,” Emma says.
“Our goal is to make a positive impact that resonates far beyond the shores of Tangalooma and showcases a deep commitment to community and environmental wellbeing.”
Several Tangalooma employees made the trip south to Brisbane in 2024 to attend The Long Lunch.
Addressed by Neuroblastoma survivor and current The Kids’ Cancer Project Partnerships Coordinator, Tiana Saunders, Emma says “hearing the raw, honest story of a childhood cancer survivor was incredibly moving.”
“She shared not only the devastating impact of her diagnosis but also the immense strength she gained from the charity’s support. That personal connection brought the reality of childhood cancer home in a way that statistics simply couldn't and solidified our desire to do even more.”
With an eye toward the future, Tangalooma plan on creating more fun and engaging activations for their visitors that will raise both funds and awareness.
From Tangalooma’s perspective, businesses considering a partnership with The Kids’ Cancer Project would be a decision that delivers on multiple fronts.
From a company perspective, a partnership with The Kids’ Cancer Project directly fulfills not only corporate social responsibility goals and significantly enhances public image, but, much more importantly, these partnerships make a genuine societal impact, foster strong employee engagement and create a caring and positive work environment that attracts and retains talent.
By supporting The Kids’ Cancer Project, you're directly contributing to life-saving research. It's a powerful way to demonstrate your company's values and commitment to community well-being. Ultimately, it’s a win-win for your business and for children facing cancer.
For all things Pirate Day in 2025 and how you can get involved, hit the button below.