There has been a happy start for the new Bloomhill Cancer Care CEO as a Sunshine Coast food grocer donated more than $14,000 to the charity.
New CEO of Bloomhill Cancer Care Christopher John said he had the best job in the world, as he accepted a cheque for $14,100 two days into his new role.
“It’s an amazing way to start work with this incredibly effective and far-reaching organisation,” Mr John said.
“To be greeted by such generosity from IGA Marketplace Wises Road myIGA Card Program is really heartwarming.”
Since opening its doors in 2014, IGA Marketplace Wises Road has run its myIGA Card Beneficiary Program, contributing many thousands of dollars back into the Sunshine Coast community. By supporting their program, customers receive savings on thousands of products in-store, while helping their nominated community beneficiary group, such as Bloomhill Cancer Care.
“We are so delighted to be able to make this contribution of $14,100 to Bloomhill Cancer Care,” IGA Marketplace Wises Road store manager Marg Moloney said.
“It is such a worthwhile organisation to be helping, and at a time of year when so many people are doing it tough.
“These funds will enable us to help people who have been diagnosed with cancer – and their families – with nurse-led care and allied health services. I’m proud to be part of that, and grateful the Coast community is digging deep for Bloomhill this Christmas.”
Patron and cancer survivor, Olympian Raelene Boyle, said she was humbled and moved to see IGA Marketplace Wises Road’s generous donation.
“It has been a very challenging year for Bloomhill and we are so grateful to our business partners and individual donors for sticking with us,” Ms Boyle said.
“Locals know that this IGA supports local businesses, but now we know how deeply it and its shoppers dig for those living with a cancer diagnosis.”
Ms Boyle said she was also delighted to introduce Mr John, who brought 14 years’ experience in chief executive roles in the non-profit sector in Tasmania, the Sunshine Coast, Melbourne and nationally.
“On behalf of Bloomhill I’m delighted to announce Christopher John’s appointment as CEO. He began on Monday 14 December.
“I’m very happy for Christopher that within days of starting as our CEO he’s able to see firsthand the incredible support we have in this beautiful community.
“In the past eight years Bloomhill has welcomed 7,325 clients at its Wellness Centre in Buderim – this includes patients, carers, children and bereaved family and friends.
“Last financial year alone, Bloomhill actively supported 1,136 clients – providing 7,765 occasions of nursing, allied health and complementary therapy care.
“All of this is made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses, who have donated generously to support our charity.”
Bloomhill’s Board of Management will start 2021 fresh appointing a new Chair in former Bloomhill treasurer, Michael Wise.
“It is an honour to be appointed Chair of Bloomhill and on behalf of the Board also welcome our new CEO,” Mr Wise said.
“I first joined the Bloomhill Board as Treasurer at the 2018 AGM. My initial involvement came through my wife, a volunteer, who encouraged me to get involved with this wonderful organisation.
“About four years ago I started volunteering with functions and events, and as a driver. The joy of meeting clients as a barista in the caf¨¦ has been a real highlight.
“I then decided I wanted to do more and offered my professional skills, accepting a role as treasurer.
“My passion stems for the incredible work Bloomhill does – but also, my wife has been volunteering in one form or another since we were first married, and says Bloomhill honours it’s volunteers better than any organisation she has ever been involved with. That means a lot to me. I’m proud to be part of such a genuinely grassroots organisation, which values and celebrates its volunteers.”
