Graduate Projects

The Seafood Industry’s fundraiser for ‘kids with cancer’: 2000

Project:
To hold an industry fund raising event to support ‘kids with cancer ‘ by providing equipment for the children’s ward at the State’s major hospital

Project Leader:
Darren Barker, South Australian Prawn Skipper and Licence Holder

Aim:
To demonstrate and develop the social conscience of the seafood industry through a public promotion and fundraising event.
Support ‘kids with cancer’ in a practical way.

Background:
Darren Barker had been recently diagnosed with cancer when he commenced participation in the leadership program in 2000. The experience had a significant impact on Darren as did his interaction with other cancer sufferers during his treatment.

Approach:
The seafood industry, through the Seafood Council held an annual dinner that was free to industry members and was an occasion to celebrate the industry and its successes during the preceding season.

Darren approached the Council for their support to make the 2000 event a fund-raiser through the auctioned sale of seafood product.

Darren made contact with and involvement of the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) fund raising committee and co-opted them into the project.

The event was held in December 2000 and raised over $11 000 for the RAH Cancer Research fund.

Challenges:
Confidence to undertake a project with partners outside of the industry.
Gaining the support for his idea from industry.

Outcomes:
Presentation of an $11,000 cheque to the RAH to support cancer research.

Media coverage of the cheque presentation which profiled the seafood industry as one partnering with its community.

Over 80 people attending the fund raiser.