Helping people to live well with cancer

Bloomhill Cancer Help is hosting its second annual Monster Garage Sale on Saturday, 31 March, following the success of last year.

Held at the Bloomhill Distribution Centre, 1/10 Endeavour Drive, Kunda Park, the sale opens from 7am to 1pm and will offer a wide range of discounts on good quality items such as furniture, appliances, clothing, sporting equipment and much more. 

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the garage sale is a great opportunity to pick up a bargain and to support a worthy cause at the same time.

“Bloomhill doesn’t receive any government funding, so we rely on the money raised through our op shops, donations, grants and fundraising activities like this one to continue to provide our high level of care,” Jenny said.

The Bloomhill Distribution Centre plays a key part in Bloomhill’s success, collecting and sorting donated goods for allocation to the Bloomhill Op Shops.

“We encourage everyone to come down and take a look; the Distribution Centre is packed full and you never know what treasures you may find,” Jenny said.

“There are lots of great savings on a wide range of clothing, particularly Summer clothes. What better way to stock up your closet for next season!” Jenny said.

“We have received overwhelming support from the Sunshine Coast community in the past and we are sure there will be a great turn out to support us this time as well,” Jenny said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

“The services we provide at Bloomhill are only made possible by the open-hearted support we receive from the local community and businesses,” Jenny said.

More bargains can be found at the Bloomhill Op Shops at Buderim (Main Street), Maroochydore (First Avenue), Mooloolaba (Brisbane Road), Nambour (opposite the hospital) and Caloundra (Bulcock Street).

Sunshine Coast local and adventurer, Bernhard Weitkuhn will set off on an ambitious 2,300km solo journey up the Murray River on Sunday, 4 March to raise money for Bloomhill Cancer Help.

This amazing 73-year-old plans to row his new sea kayak almost the whole length of the Murray River from the Bringenbrong Bridge in Corryong, Victoria to Goolwa in South Australia, a gruelling mission that would test the stamina of even the fittest athletes.

Bernhard said it had always been his dream to paddle the river and after talking about it for the last 20 years, he decided it was now or never.

“I am feeling great for my age and just bought a new sea kayak, so I knew the time was right,” Bernhard said.

“I am hoping to paddle at least 30km every day, so I am expecting the journey to take me about 75 days to complete,” Bernhard said.

“For me, a trip like this is quite normal as I am still a very active bush walker and often go on extended hikes all over the world,” Bernhard said.

A member of the Sunshine Coast Bushwalking Club, Bernhard has climbed Mr Kilimanjaro and walked the Mt Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, the Inka Trail, the famous GR20 trek crossing the Mediterranean island of Corsica, the notorious Australian Larapinta Trail twice and in August last year braved the 21-day, 340km John Muir Trail in California, USA.

“I just returned from another trip last week, where three of my fellow bushwalking club friends and I hiked up Mount Ruapehu and Mount Taranaki in New Zealand, both of which were six-day long treks,” Bernhard said.

“I love walking and kayaking and just being in nature,” Bernhard said.

“It was actually one of my friends that suggested that I paddle for a good cause, so I decided to donate the proceeds to Bloomhill,” Bernhard said.

Bernhard’s wife Elsie, who has since passed away, worked briefly for Bloomhill as a natural therapist, so he thought it fitting to continue to help the charity.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

After Bernhard finishes his Murray River adventure, he hopes to take a short break and then attempt the Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia and begin planning a trip to Europe next year.

To donate to Bernhard’s cause, please visit www.everydayhero.com.au/bloomhillcancerhelp.

It's that time of year again, when hundreds of elite athletes from around Australia flock to the Sunshine Coast to claim victory at the annual Mooloolaba Triathlon and support Bloomhill Cancer Help.

Event organisers, USM Events have once again declared Bloomhill the nominated charity of the 2012 Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival held from 23rd to 25th March. 

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said Bloomhill was honoured to have the continued support from USM Events.

"The support we receive each year from USM Events and the Mooloolaba Triathlon is overwhelming and has helped Bloomhill to support and assist more and more clients every year."

"They truly recognise the importance of Bloomhill to the Sunshine Coast," Jenny said.

This year, the Friday night Asics Mooloolaba Twilight Run has been named the official Bloomhill race with USM Events donating $5 from every entry fee to Bloomhill.

The Asics Twilight Run will kick off at 6pm on Friday, 23 March with Bloomhill patron and former Olympian, Raelene Boyle starting the race. There is cash to be won for first, second and third place male and female as well as random draw prizes for competitors.

For something a little bit different, all participants are encouraged to wear blue to show their support for Bloomhill and prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed male, female and group. Participants will also receive a pair of Bloomhill custom shoelaces inside their race kits.

"USM Events are expecting more than 700 people of all abilities to participate in the Twilight run this year," Jenny said.

"We welcome everyone to come along for a fun evening to support Bloomhill," she said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

Bloomhill will be fundraising in a variety of ways at this year's Triathlon. You can show your support by entering the Asics Mooloolaba Twilight Run on Friday night, by visiting the Bloomhill breakfast barbecue on Saturday morning in Charles Clarke Park in River Esplanade and entering the Bloomhill raffle. Alternatively, you can donate or set up your own fundraising page through Everyday Hero with prizes to be won for the highest fundraiser. Simply visit, www.everydayhero.com.au to register.

"Bloomhill will be hosting the Superkidz BBQ on Saturday morning again this year, so please drop down for a snag and say hello," Jenny said.

Entries for the supporting events at the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival are now open. To enter, visit www.mooloolabtri.com.au. Sunshine Coast school kids will receive a 50% discount off the entry fee if they enter by 21st March. Or to find out more about Bloomhill, visit www.bloomhill.com.au or call 07 5445 5794.