Inspiring women working for a cause

Pictured: Dodie Jay

To celebrate International Women’s Day we decided to shine a spotlight on Australian charities and organisations dedicated to helping women through events, awareness initiatives and fundraising campaigns. 

Hornsby Ky-ring gai Women’s Shelter
One of the most popular charities for regular mycause donors in 2016 was Hornsby Ku-ring gai Women’s Shelter, which prevents vulnerable women from falling through the cracks in society by offering emergency housing for the victims of domestic violence. The shelter was added to over 100 EOFY donation portfolios, which will no doubt be of benefit as the shelter does not receive any government funding. The amount of portfolios created in the 2015/16 financial year grew by 51%, showing that interest in charitable donations has increased significantly over the last 12 months.

MND Victoria
MND Victoria works to support the people and families living with MND in Victoria, working closely with mycause to host events, run their merchandise store and raise awareness for MND. The statewide charity’s fundraising efforts are managed by Kathy Nightingale, who works tirelessly to oversee and organise the fundraising efforts to assist people living with MND and hopefully one day, find a cure for this debilitating disease. 

Love Your Sister
This amazing charity was inspired when Connie Johnson, sister to Australian actor Samuel Johnson was diagnosed with cancer for the fourth time. The incredibly close brother and sister duo raised over $1 million after Samuel pedalled across Australia on a unicycle, spreading Connie’s message of breast cancer awareness far and wide. Not content with resting on their laurels, Connie and Samuel now want to raise $10 million dollars, as they continue to work tirelessly to support women and raise funds for cancer research. 

Look Good Feel Better 
This Australian community program teaches cancer patients how to manage the physical effects of cancer treatment, such as hair loss. The program helps women suffering from cancer get their confidence back during an incredibly traumatic time, teaching them how to keep looking good and feel even better during treatment. The workshops discuss make-up, skincare and headwear options, empowering these women as they battle with cancer. 

Australian hair stylist and blogger Dodie Jay is currently raising funds for Look Good Feel Better, while fighting against her own cancer, a non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Thanks to the incredible generosity of friends, family and her online followers, Dodie Jay has so far raised over $6000 for the program. 

There are many ways to raise funds for women - start a fundraising campaign for a woman you love, raise funds for a charity or program for women through an event or even pledge your birthday to them.