The 13th instalment of the Anneswer to Cancer fundraiser came with a little luck as the rains let up, just as hundreds gathered on the Tyndall Turf.
The group was there for fun and fundraising with a side of learning about philanthropy and one of life’s hardest challenges.
Anyone unfamiliar may have been surprised to see a T. rex in net, fending off goals while wearing oven mitts on Saturday (May 10) afternoon, but it's just one of the many ways the event builds fun into fundraising for Victoria Hospice.
At $43,768, they came up short of the goal, but everyone garnered knowledge about both philanthropy – as the young players seek pledges ahead of the event – and learning about the cause they’re raising funds for, said organizer Meredith Campbell-Jess. That brings the 13-year total to just beyond $700,000 raised for Victoria Hospice.
“It’s more than just a fundraiser for me, it’s a community, they’re in action, they’re coming together with heart for people who are needing it,” said Campbell-Jess, who’s been involved for a decade. “It’s that reminder that compassion can live in community and the energy of the players, the friends, the community. We’re always blown away at their energy and what they bring.”
Now in its 13th year, with a couple of spring sessions missed in the early 2020s, the inspiration for the event dates back to 2010 when Brett Hyslop's mother Anne died at Victoria Hospice. Hyslop wanted to do something to thank the organization, and his business partner in the World Cup Soccer Camp, Steph Steiner, suggested a soccer fundraiser. Anneswer to Cancer began the next year.
These days, the event includes the 12-team tournament, penalty shot competition, a radar machine, juggling contests, cut-throat keeper and the popular monster obstacle course challenge.
Cut-throat keeper is where that T. rex costume comes into play.
“Yes, it’s about fundraising, but it’s also about the camaraderie and fun on the field,” Campbell-Jess said. People pony up cash to see a goalkeeper in costume, with the ability to bid higher to add items such as oven mitts, adding to the jubilant atmosphere.
Then there’s the monster obstacle course, where teams “taking a break” race through in competition. It’s a good time watching, for example, the young people on team Mexico and team Germany race neck-and-neck through the course. At the day's end, points count from all the competitions alongside gameplay.
This year, Brazil came out on top, with players’ names pulled for a variety of prizes.
Other key awards go to the young philanthropists for things such as top fundraiser – this year one lad brought in over $2,200 – and the person who works extra hard, going “above and beyond”. This year, that was a kid who raised $360 – in coins.
All the while, the kids, their families, and the community are exposed to a cause that has, or likely will, impact their lives at some point.
Victoria Hospice aims to enhance the quality of life for people and their families as they face life-limiting illness and death. The organization provides more than 1,500 home visits a year, runs 18 inpatient beds, and offers more than 2,000 individual counselling sessions. Half of its operating costs are funded through donations. Visit victoriahospice.org to learn more about the end-of-life care services.
The format of Anneswer to Cancer introduces the subject in a less scary way, allowing participants to contribute their time and energy in support of others.
“It’s introducing kids to a really hard subject. Nobody talks about death; it is a thing that is semi-taboo to talk about in the world,” Campbell-Jess said. “Everybody has been touched by hospice on some level.”
