Community Services Business Woman of the Year 2026 finalist Kristy Giteau. Photo: Win the Day.
Kristy Giteau probably thought she had reached the pinnacle in public life when she represented Australia in rugby union.
Her appointment as co-president of Rugby Australia elevated her status even further.
But in the minds of many, it doesn’t even come close to the influence she has had in raising funds and awareness for families with rare childhood cancers.
Kristy started the not-for-profit charity Win the Day in 2019 after her four-year-old daughter Ka’ili was diagnosed with the rare childhood kidney cancer, Wilms tumour.
The experience rocked Kristy and her family as they navigated a system which wasn’t set up to support families going through the ordeal of children undergoing treatment for rare cancers.
Determined to ensure as few families as possible go through the same trials, Kristy established Win the Day to raise funds for accommodation and meals and, just as importantly, to support families in their moments of despair as they head into unfamiliar territory.
Kristy Giteau and Soakai, with their three children in December 2020. Photo: Supplied.
As founder and CEO, Kristy has leveraged her sports pedigree, particularly with the Raiders and the Brumbies, to raise over $5 million and support more than 560 families so far.
Of course, it helps when you are a former Wallaroo; one brother, Matt, is a Wallaby legend, and the other, Justin, is the Raiders assistant coach.
Her persuasive skills in the sports community are impressive as she continues to drive awareness and fundraising. Her daughter is currently in remission, but she continues to inspire Kristy.
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Kristy was named Monaro Woman of the Year in 2023 and was a finalist in the local hero category for the Australian of the Year Awards.
Kristy has now been named a finalist for Community Services Business Woman of the Year, to be announced Friday night at the Canberra Women in Business 2026 Gala Awards.
The fundraising continues for Win the Day. The Dare to Be Rare Fifth Gala Ball will be on Saturday, 7 November. For further details, visit Win the Day and secure your tickets.