Archived Articles
Supporting the fight against cancer
The Rock is a strong supporter of Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ), positively impacting the lives of Central Queensland cancer sufferers, survivors and their families. The Rock is a major sponsor of The Rock Building Society Education Centre, which is a centrepiece of the new Central Queensland Cancer Support Centre, officially opened in September 2009. In addition to donating an initial $150,000 to the project, The Rock donated a further $6,500 during the year, with the funds being raised by Rock staff and customers through the "Clancy the Cancer Bear" campaign, the sale of Rock merchandise at community events, and staff fundraising efforts.
Cancer Council Queensland Regional Manager (Central Queensland), Victoria Bradshaw, said The Rock Education Centre has enabled CCQ to dramatically increase the number of support programs being conducted for cancer patients, their families, and others touched by cancer.
Support program events include regular 'Look Good, Feel Better' workshops. Breast Cancer and Cancer Support Volunteers program meetings, CCQ branch meetings, awareness and fundraising activities are also held at the Centre. To enquire about the Central Queensland Cancer Support Centre, please contact the Cancer Council Queensland Rockhampton office on (07) 4932 8600.
Imparting confidence and team building skills are two of the key benefits of The Rock's ongoing sponsorship of the award winning Glenmore State High School Glenmore Dragons Cheerleaders. The squad has 18 members, taken form Years 8 to 12.
"Cheerleading teaches the participants team building skills and enables them to work with students they normally wouldn't interact with," squad coach Ashley Fergus said. "It gives them great confidence." The Rock has sponsored the squad for the past two years, with the Company's support enabling the team to purchase the uniforms that give the group a professional edge. Enthusiasm, hard work and their professional appearance has earned the squad multiple accolades at the Rockhampton Regional Titles and at the World Cup Cheer and Dance National Titles.
The Rock's Camp Quality Sizzlin' Beach Vacation
Sponsored by The Rock, the Camp Quality Sizzlin' Beach Vacation was held at locations across Rockhampton and the Carpricorn Coast from September 27 to October 1 2010.
The camp gave Central Queensland children, whose lives have been touched by cancer the opportunity to get away from doctor's appointments and treatment and have some fun!
The camp was an absolute blast for the kids of Camp Quality with a range of activities including movies, a day-trip to Great Keppel Island, putt putt and pizza, Go-Karts, sailing, heaps of beach games and shopping. Thanks to the support of The Rock Building Society, all activities were provided at no cost to the kids of Camp Quality, with approximately 45 children attending the 2010 camp.
Camp Quality Area Manager Darryl Schneider said The Rock's Sizzlin' Beach Vacation gave children the opportunity to be kids again. "Thanks to the support of The Rock Building Society, community/social groups and the volunteers we are able to provide these camps and prove that laughter is the best medicine."
"Without this support from the community we could not continue to provide our program of fun therapy for these very special children whose lives have been touched by cancer."
Rock joins forces with RSPCA Qld
The Rock Building Society is pleased to have joined forces with RSPCA Qld to open the Animal Adoption Centre at Australia's first RSPCA Pet Shop in William Street, Rockhampton. This is an important, joint community venture and will do much to help improve animal welfare throughout the region by placing rescued and abandoned animals with new owners.
By utilising RSPCA's wide ranging educational programs the centre will play a lend role in raising awareness of animal welfare issues in the Central Queensland area. Customers are able to view potential pets on a computer and then make a request to meet that animal. Certain animals that are currently out as foster will also come into the adoption centre on a regular basis. This new concept enables animals to continue their lives in a home environment rather than being housed in a permanent shelter situation.