Record raised at annual You Can Golf Day
Date: 13 April 20223
For the second year running, the insurance industry in Sydney came together for a day of golf to raise funds for Sony Foundation's You Can program.
When SLE Worldwide’s CEO, Raj Nanra, met with Sony Foundation’s CEO, Sophie Ryan to investigate the ‘You Can’ program he immediately knew he wanted to make a difference.
Launched in 2010, Sony Foundation’s ‘You Can’ initiative provides support and assistance to young people living with cancer. In the last 13 years it has raised millions of dollars to help improve the lives of those journeying through this devastating illness.
Raj took not only the company he works for, but the insurance industry on a journey to help many amazing young people suffering the difficult journey of cancer. Kenn to raise awareness about this important cause which highlights a gap that can exist in our health system for teens and young adults with cancer, Raj wanted to encourage others to be involved, that’s when he proposed the ‘You Can’ Golf Day, which he wanted to become an annual event.
2023 was the second year of this amazing event, where 140 insurance industry professionals came together at the picturesque Concord Golf Course in Sydney in March to show their support and raise funds for this important cause.
The day did not disappoint and was yet another huge success, both Raj and Sony Foundation were thrilled with the turnout and the generosity of each guest. The event, coordinated by The Charity Challenge, raised over $38,500 which was an increase of 43% from the previous year. This donation will equate to nearly 300 nights of free accommodation for regional and rural youth cancer patients who must come to the city for treatment, provided by Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay program.
Raj said, “The You Can Golf Day is a great example of colleagues and peers from our industry coming together to make a difference in the community and support important causes which are close to the hearts of so many of us.”
During the event, 19 year old Elliott Prasad shared his story of being faced with cancer in his teens, and the impact of Sony Foundation's You Can Centre.
Elliott said, "Throughout my cancer treatment, I only ever met one other sarcoma patient. In the first couple of weeks that the You Can Centre had been finished I met two lovely, like minded patients my age when I returned for appointments. I genuinely do think the You Can Centre has not only the ability to change lives, but also save them. Thankyou to all those who have taken part in making today special and to all those who have donated. You are making the difference in a young person’s life."
Thank you to Platinum Sponsor, Steadfast, and Live Auction donors including; Sony Australia, Steve Smith, Madison Medical Practice, Fox Gordon, Steadfast Racing Hot Laps, Concord Golf Club and John French. Thank you also to Shaun Standfield and the IAA Foundation for a pledge of $5,000 on the day and Market Lane for an additonal pledge.
If you would like to make a pledge to the You Can Golf Day, there is still time. All funds will continue to provide nights of accommodation in the You Can Stay program.
To make a donation: https://www.sonyfoundation.org/you-can-golf-day
For more information on You Can: https://www.sonyfoundation.org/what-we-do/you-can
