Cancer Council NSW’s Mid North Coast office is calling on local bowling clubs to help Bowl Over Cancer by holding a charity fundraising day. Ted Greenwood at Cancer Council NSW’s Mid North Coast office said Bowl Over Cancer charity days are a perfect opportunity for bowlers to take the pressure off their game and refocus on one of the other important things in life – helping those in need. “Bowl Over Cancer is a great way to make fundraising an enjoyable part of your already existing club activity,” Ted said. “Clubs simply choose a date when they are already holding a game day, and run fundraising activities while having fun on the green.” Ted Greenwood said there are no set fundraising activities that take place on the day, rather it’s up to each club’s imagination and enthusiasm. “Clubs might choose to charge an entry fee, hold a raffle, a boot sale, a morning tea or cook up a barbeque to raise funds. Or you might like to challenge a rival club to a charity bowl-off.” “You could also ask the board of your club to dollar match the amount of funds you raise,” added Ted. “By holding a charity bowls day,” Ted said “Locals can help ease the burden of cancer on patients, their carers and families by helping fund vital cancer research, information and support services”. “Cancer Council NSW is spending more than $12 million this year on cancer research. But while research is extremely important, we can’t forget there are people currently struggling because of cancer who need our support now,” stressed Ted. “Funds from Bowl Over Cancer will help us run support services like the Cancer Helpline (13 11 20) where patients, their family and friends can speak to experienced cancer nurses for advice, information, or to chat to someone who understands what they are going through. “Money raised also goes towards cancer information and prevention, making sure people are aware of how to reduce their cancer risk and know how to detect important changes in their bodies early. The Mid North Coast Regional Programs Coordinator, Vanessa Crossley said “Bowl Over Cancer also provided clubs with the opportunity to make their charity day a ‘Cancer Smart’ event.” “Aside from not smoking, regular exercise and a healthy diet are the next best steps you can take to proactively reduce your cancer risk. Bowl Over Cancer is a great opportunity for participants to get their 30 minutes of daily exercise, and you might like to showcase some healthy food options in the day’s catering, Vanessa said. “It’s also a great event to practice being SunSmart and reduce your chance of skin cancer by wearing SPF +30 sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, protective clothing, wrap around sunglasses, and seeking shade when not out on the green.”