The Toowoomba Hospital Foundation officially launched its charity car raffle on Friday 20 September 2024, to raise critical funds for the new Regional Cancer Centre. Held at Wippells Autos Volkswagen Showroom, the event marked the beginning of the raffle, which features a grand prize Volkswagen T-Roc, valued at $38,990, donated by the generous Wippells Autos. The raffle will run until May 2025, with the aim of raising over $100,000 for the much-needed cancer care facility.
With the number of cancer patients seen by the Medical Oncology Service at Toowoomba Hospital doubling over the last five years, the need for a dedicated facility is more urgent than ever. The funds raised through this raffle will go directly toward the Regional Cancer Centre, ensuring the local community has access to critical treatment and care close to home.
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy emphasised the significance of the new centre for regional cancer patients.
“The new Regional Cancer Centre will make life a little easier for hundreds of families across the Darling Downs,” she said.
“Instead of running around for different treatments, patients will have everything they need in one place. It’s already tough enough battling cancer, so this centre will help lighten that load and provide much-needed support.”
Brett Buckley, General Manager at Wippells Autos, expressed the dealership's pride in sponsoring the raffle and shared his personal connection to the cause.
“We’re pretty honoured to do it, and to help the Hospital Foundation raise critical funds for this new cancer centre. I was diagnosed with cancer early on the year, and it's close to my heart that we do support some of these local community organisations that are supporting this cause,” he said.
Mr Buckley also encouraged everyone to take part in the raffle, highlighting the importance of supporting cancer care in the region.
“It's great for the community,” he said. “I think there's not much like this happening in Toowoomba at the moment, it's a great cause.”
“The biggest thing I think we all need to do is jump on board with this organisation and support it by buying a ticket or a donation and please help support local community.”
In addition to the Volkswagen T-Roc, other raffle prizes include a $15,000 Village Roadshow Theme Park Package and $5,000 cash from Optus. With tickets starting at just $10, the Foundation encourages everyone to take part in this community-driven effort to build a brighter future for cancer care.
