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CAMP4CANCER founder Ben Roarty wants to spread a message of hope at this year’s event, which aims to raise funds for cancer research.
Since its beginning in 2015, the event has raised more than $200,000, including more than $55,000 last year – with all money donated to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Victoria.
Mr Roarty lost both his parents to cancer and said he wanted to make a difference in the best way he could – by organising an event to bring hundreds of people together each year.
“Since 2015 this camping event has the feel of a weekend festival, with live bands, food stalls, merchandise, camp fires, memorial and candle ceremony, loads of activities to keep the kids entertained, raffles, auctions, guest speakers, traditional Aboriginal ceremonies, laughs and tears,” he said.
The impact of COVID-19 has meant this year’s event will look slightly different, as it will now be an online event instead of previous camping events, which included the gathering of more than 600 people.
However, Mr Roarty said he would not let it slow him down and still has plenty planned for Saturday’s event, including thousands of dollars worth of prizes to giveaway for free, live music streamed online – with Dave Gleeson as the headlining act.
Other artists will include Hype Duo, Kelli Brogan, Covered Up, FLAXXON, Chris Franklin, Mason Fodera, Jamie Dennis, and The J.R Baker band.
“Normally we camp at a property just outside Wallan with 600 people, 10 live music acts and have thousands of dollars’ worth of giveaways, but this year we obviously cannot do this, so we are going live online with our concert broadcast on Saturday at 6.30pm,” Mr Roarty said.
“There will also be loads of giveaways which people can win for free by simply registering online. People can go to www.camp4cancer.org.au to register for the event.
“Early on we had challenges with cost of running the event and exposure, but now we have a huge following and tickets to our mainstream event usually sell out before the event, so next year get in quick before tickets sell out.
“Never give up hope and the fight against cancer, by continually raising money and awareness, it gives my family, my friends, our volunteers hope of finding preventions and cures.”
For more information and to book a spot in the event, visit www.camp4cancer.org.au or the Camp4Cancer Facebook page.