_Community Stories: Leanne Simonds completes the Virtual Mother’s Day Classic

Leanne Simonds, Department Coordinator for our Metropolitan Leasing team in Victoria completed the 4 km Mother’s Day Classic virtually this year, raising over $5,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

May 12, 2020

Every day, 53 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and eight women lose their life to it. This is a cause close to Leanne’s heart, and so this year her and her son took part in the virtual Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday, 10 May 2020, raising over $5,000 for life-saving breast cancer research.

We spoke to Leanne about her fundraising experience.

What do you think is the value of volunteerism? To volunteers, communities and companies

Fundamentally, for me, fundraising is helping to raise money for much needed research and causes.

I have always tried to donate to charities where I can and thought the Mother’s Day Classic provided the opportunity to raise money for a cause that is close to my heart.

What did you learn from the experience? Or, what impact has volunteering had on you?

I was overwhelmed by the support and generosity I received, along with their donations.

My originally fundraising goal was $500, and I have now raised over $5,000. It is a very special feeling being able to help such a worthy cause.

Did your volunteering help to connect you with others and if so how?

Due to COVID-19, the Mother’s Day Classic this year was a “virtual event.”

To help maintain that sense of community associated with partaking in the event, the organisers set up a Facebook group for all participants. It’s been great to see other people’s stories and understand more about what the event/charity means to them.

What impact did this have on you as an individual and your community? Or, why do you think volunteering is important to communities?

I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from family, friends, and work colleagues. And I am so grateful that we can come together to raise money for breast cancer research.

Since 1998, the Mother’s Day Classic has raised over $37 million for research and without this fundraising and support, we would not have the advancements in research and treatments that we see today.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of volunteering?

Do it! It’s very rewarding to know how much you can contribute to worthy causes.

Do you have any future volunteering plans?

Yes, I will continue to raise money for breast cancer research in particular and participate in this event on a yearly basis.

How did you find out about the volunteering opportunity/how can others find an initiative to get involved with?

I have seen the Mother’s Day Classic advertised over the years, and it is something I have always wanted to do with my own mum.

This year I had the push I needed to register, and we (as a family) will participate in the Mother’s Day Classic every year now.

Find out more about The Mother’s Day Classic here.