Inaugural Cancer Cruise to raise money for cancer research

Drivers and their families around Australia will buckle up on Sunday, 28 March for the inaugural Cancer Cruise, with all funds raised going directly to Cancer Council to help fund world-class cancer research.

The team behind the much-loved Box Rallies is the driving force behind this new fundraiser. Over the past eleven years, Box Rallies have raised more than $24 million for cancer research.

Box Rallies was founded by James Freeman after he lost both of his parents to cancer 12 months apart.

“Our Box Rallies participants have been so supportive over the years and become like family, with many of our participants coming back again and again,” James said.

“COVID-19 put a speedbump in our events for 2020, so we wanted to find another way to bring people together, while still raising much-needed funds for cancer research.”

“Cancer Cruise isn’t a car show or a competition. It’s a chance for people around Australia to gather their families and friends and have a great day out while raising vital funds for cancer research.”

“In all of the rallies and this cruise I will be driving in loving memory of my parents, who I lost to cancer within 12 months of each other, and I will be driving for the first time with my family, so it will be a very special day indeed.”

With many of Cancer Council’s fundraising events in 2020 forced to cancel, postpone or change format due to COVID-19, James said fundraising events like Cancer Cruise were critical for the future of cancer research.

“A decade after launching and growing our first fundraiser into the largest community-based fundraiser for the Cancer Council in Australia, I thought it was time to look at adding another project or offering for people to get behind.”

“Our first Cancer Cruise – our launch is critical.  If it goes well it will be the bedrock for the growth of the project over the coming 5 years. Cancer Cruise has a cross over audience of both rally people and new people that want to fundraise and like the idea of a Sunday cruise with a totally achievable fundraising target of $500 plus.”

“The saying ‘together you really can make a difference’ is always well proven in fundraising activities and through projects like Cancer Cruise!”

Cancer Cruise events are being held in all states and the ACT on 28 March. This family-friendly event will see participants tackle fundraising, then enjoy a relaxed drive, morning tea and lunch, all while enjoying a fun social gathering.

In South Australia, the Cancer Cruise will start at the Tower Hotel Carpark in Magill at 8.45am, with Morning Tea at Uraidla Primary School before finishing at Langhorne Creek.

Registrations for the next Cancer Cruise will open in the coming months. Follow Cancer Cruise on Facebook or Instagram to make sure you don’t miss out!

To learn more about Cancer Cruise and support a team taking part, visit the Cancer Cruise website.