The 25th anniversary of Jeans for Genes was wholeheartedly embraced by the Australian community and has raised more than $850,000 so far for research into children’s genetic diseases – with much more still to come!
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The iconic charity day that involves individuals, schools and businesses wearing their jeans on the first Friday in August was supported far and wide across the country.
This was the first year that Jeans for Genes had volunteers collecting money and selling merchandise on the streets of the Gold Coast, Darwin, Hobart and Launceston.
There were events in major cities, like NSW Police raising more than $3500 from an event at their Sydney head office, and towns with big hearts, like Taree West Public School raising $535.60.
The community came up with some unique ideas to fundraise – including dressing up their dogs in denim and the Kiama Kubes Winter Swimming Group even swam in their jeans on a freezing cold day!
In rural Victoria, Deniliquin Dry Cleaners donated $10 from every pair of jeans dry cleaned to the campaign, while the friends and family of little Henry Gowans – who was one of the faces of this year’s campaign – managed to raise more than $13,000.
Henry’s mother, Jessica, said she was grateful to be able to spread the word about genetic metabolic disorders like her son’s and thanked those who “had our back’’.
“We’re all a team working together to create a brighter and healthier future for the 1 in 20 children with birth defects and genetic diseases.’’
Corporate supports of Jeans for Genes included Universal Store who raised $17,000 through the sale of jeans and merchandise, Virgin who offered free advertising at airports and in-flight as well Grill’d who supported the campaign all year.
All the funds raised on Jeans for Genes Day go towards finding ground-breaking cures at Children’s Medical Research Institute.
Everyone who took part in this year’s event are encouraged to deposit donations as soon as they can, but for anyone who couldn’t participate – it’s not too late! Many schools and businesses are organising their own Jeans for Genes events later in the year, with movie nights, cake stalls or denim fashion parades.
There is also an opportunity to donate all year round. Find out more at jeansforgenes.org.au
JEANS FOR GENES 2018 FACTS AT A GLANCE
78 fundraising sites across Australia
5520 businesses took part
3481 schools participated
Registered participants state-by-state
NSW: 4212
ACT: 162
NT: 83
QLD: 2011
SA: 450
TAS: 330
VIC: 1993
WA: 98
Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) pioneered microsurgery, immunisations against lethal childhood illnesses, and care for premature babies, all of which has improved the lives of countless Australian children over the last 60 years. Today, CMRI is an independent institute and the site of world-leading research in the areas of cancer, neurobiology, embryology, proteogenomics and gene therapy. CMRI is affiliated with the University of Sydney and is a founding partner of Paediatrio and the Westmead Research Hub. Find out more at www.cmri.org.au. This not-for-profit institute is funded by competitive grants and a community of supporters who participate in events like Jeans for Genes Day, which is held on the first Friday in August. Visit www.jeansforgenes.org.au.