Several of Australia\u2019s major commercial radio networks \u2013 ARN, Nova Entertainment and SCA \u2013 are coming together for the first time to support young people impacted by cancer through Canteen\u2019s Bandanna Day.<\/p>\n
From 1 October, a radio commercial featuring radio royalty Hamish Blake (SCA), Michael \u201cWippa\u201d Wipfli (Nova Entertainment) and Woody Whitelaw (ARN) will air across all three networks. The campaign, running throughout October, demonstrates radio\u2019s unique ability to spark conversations and unite communities for an important cause. These voices are part of Australians\u2019 daily lives, bringing trust and familiarity to Canteen\u2019s message, especially when it comes to something as deeply personal as cancer.<\/p>\n
Canteen\u2019s Bandanna Day, held on 30th October this year, is the charity\u2019s flagship fundraising and awareness campaign. An iconic event, supported by schools, workplaces and individuals around the country, Bandanna Day has raised more than $35 million. As Canteen celebrates its milestone 40th year, the charity \u2013 founded by young Australians, for young Australians \u2013 is embracing its spirit and trying something new and bold.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis incredible show of unity from Australia\u2019s biggest radio networks sets a new benchmark for an industry-wide collaboration,\u201d said Siona Hardy, CEO of Canteen Australia. \u201cBandanna Day comes at a critical time. We are seeing more young Australians being diagnosed with more aggressive and progressed cancers. And we don\u2019t know why. Bowel cancer alone has surged by 370%.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith 85% of our funding coming from the community, partnerships like this are vital to ensure Canteen can continue to deliver life-saving and life-changing support to young people impacted by cancer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope this collaboration inspires other industries to unite in driving donations that provide real support when it\u2019s needed most \u2013 and to send a powerful message to young Australians impacted by cancer: you are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lizzie Young, CEO of Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), said: \u201cThis campaign represents a defining moment for commercial radio, as our members \u2013 ARN, Nova Entertainment, and SCA \u2013 have united for an important cause. By turning up the volume on Canteen\u2019s Bandanna Day, we\u2019re rallying Australians to stand alongside young people facing cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBandanna Day holds a special place in our hearts at UM. We brought the networks together because we know the difference Canteen makes for young people impacted by cancer. It\u2019s powerful to see what\u2019s possible when we unite behind a cause that matters, and we\u2019re proud to play our part in amplifying it,\u201d said Andrew Clift, Managing Partner, UM.<\/p>\n