Activ cancels City to Surf
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Disability service provider Activ Foundation has become the latest organisation to withdraw a major fundraising event, with this year’s City to Surf cancelled on the back of state and federal government coronavirus directives.
The Chevron-sponsored event, due to be held in August, has previously attracted more than 40,000 participants.
Activ chief executive Danielle Newport said the event was the organisation’s largest annual fundraiser, with donations raised directed to care and support services around Western Australia.
She has encouraged City to Surf participants to instead donate via the Activ website.
“Your donations will support Western Australians living with disability to access a range of community services that support their journey towards independence,” Ms Newport said.
“Our long-term sponsor and partner, Chevron Australia, has also pledged to continue to support us during these challenging times.
“We look forward to Western Australians signing up for next year’s event.”
Ms Newport said while Activ was saddened by the announcement, the health and safety of the WA community came first.
The cancellation follows that of HBF’s Run for a Reason event, which was due to be held in May.
Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Youth Focus have also cancelled fundraising events scheduled this year, with Mr Perkins, the institute's founder, announcing the postponement of the Hawaiian Walk for Women’s Cancer – also due to be held in May – to a later date in 2020.
The institute says its MACA Cancer 200 cycling event remains scheduled for October 10 and 11.
“Our hope is that over the next few months, the situation will stabilise and the ride can continue, with the addition of a few new practices to ensure the wellbeing of our riders,” Mr Perkins said.
Youth Focus had also cancelled its Hawaiian Ride for Youth cycling event, which was scheduled for March.
In a statement in March, the organisation said any funds raised for the event would still go towards mental health services, which will be provided free of charge for young Western Australians.