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Riverbank Public School and The Kids’ Cancer Project have joined forces to make an impact on childhood cancer – helping to raise thousands of dollars by setting a new world record as part of the charity’s annual Pirate Day fundraiser.
Dressed in their best pirate outfits, 1,900 kids as well as over 150 teachers at the public school in Sydney’s North West came together to surpass the world record for the most students simultaneously in a plank position.
Per Guiness World Records, the current official record was set in 2011 by a King George V School (UK) in Hong Kong.
The synergy of the plank was a perfect activation for students and teachers in helping to learn more and raise funds for childhood cancer research through The Kids’ Cancer Project, Australia’s largest independent childhood cancer research charity.
Pirate Day initially began in 2014 after Western Australia school student Conor wore an eye patch as a result of his brain cancer treatment. The fundraiser has grown nationally since then as an awareness day for brain cancer research, with over $700,000 raised in support of the campaign over the years.
Approximately 120 students are diagnosed with brain cancer every year, with just a 23% five-year survival rates.
Having funded over 400 research projects since 2005, The Kids’ Cancer Project is currently funding 10 research projects specifically focusing on brain cancer – aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment and ultimately survival rates.
The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO Owen Finegan said the fundraiser was a fantastic initiative from all involved and showed the difference that individuals can make for the three children who are diagnosed with cancer every day.
“We always talk about kids supporting kids and that’s how Pirate Day started back with Conor in Western Australia a decade ago.
"It’s been great to see how it’s grown since then into a national campaign with schools, early learning centres and workplaces across Australia helping us to raise over $700,000 for childhood cancer research into brain cancer,” he said.
“I’m always amazed by our community and the passion they have for helping others. We’ve seen that here at Riverbank – 2,000 people planking and raising money for Pirate Day and childhood cancer research – and we pride ourselves that one person can make a difference. It’s been special to see how the kids here find a way to support those less fortunate than themselves, and to raise awareness and funds."
Riverbank Public School Principal Jeanie Brown celebrated the success of the day and her school’s student-led contribution towards the great cause.
“Today has been about kids supporting kids and I’m very proud of the 1900 students and 170 staff who have gotten involved with today,” she said.
“One of our students put forward the idea of our annual fundraiser as a school being to support The Kids’ Cancer Project and kids with brain cancer.
“Our children absolutely love getting behind charities and we’re very proud of our school community for doing that.”
Take a look at what corporate events are coming up for the rest of the year!
