How to Get Involved with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month brings communities together to raise awareness of childhood cancer and support the children and families affected by it.

We provide more than 30 free support services to help families navigate the challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Whether you wear gold, organise a fundraiser or share a message online, there are plenty of ways to make a difference this September.

What is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a global initiative held every September to raise awareness of childhood cancer, recognise the experiences of affected families and encourage support for children undergoing treatment.

The gold ribbon is the international symbol of childhood cancer awareness, representing the cause and the community standing alongside children and families.

Throughout September, individuals, schools, sporting clubs and businesses can get involved by wearing gold, sharing information and fundraising for childhood cancer support services.

Why Getting Involved Matters

Around 1,000 children and adolescents are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer in Australia each year. A diagnosis affects the whole family, often bringing significant emotional, practical and financial challenges alongside treatment.

We support more than 450 families each year, providing practical assistance from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship and bereavement. Every donation, fundraiser and act of awareness helps the community support families when they need it most.

5 Ways to Get Involved During September

You don't need to organise a major event to make a difference during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you have a little time, a creative idea or a community ready to get involved, there is a way to support children with cancer, and their families.

1. Wear Gold to Show Your Support

Gold is the international colour of childhood cancer awareness. Wearing gold during September is a simple way to start conversations, show solidarity with affected families and help more people understand the impact of childhood cancer.

You could wear a gold ribbon, add a gold accessory to your everyday outfit or encourage your workplace, school or sporting team to wear gold together. Share a photo on social media and explain why childhood cancer awareness matters to you.

Every conversation helps make childhood cancer more visible and reminds families that their community stands alongside them.

Shop Gold Ribbon merchandise

2. Give Gold by Making a Donation

A donation to our cause helps provide free support services to children with cancer, and their families, across South Australia and beyond.

Your contribution helps fund practical assistance such as counselling, accommodation, equipment loans, sibling support and financial assistance for referred families. These services help ease some of the pressures families face while their child undergoes treatment.

You can make a one-off donation, set up a regular gift or encourage friends and colleagues to contribute together. Every gift helps us continue providing support when families need it most.

Donate to support children with cancer

3. Fundraise at Your School, Workplace or Sporting Club

Fundraising is a meaningful way to bring people together for a shared cause while raising vital funds for children with cancer and their families.

Schools could organise a gold-themed casual day, gold coin donation, bake sale or creative challenge. Workplaces might host a morning tea, team fundraising competition or casual dress day, while sporting clubs could dedicate a training session or match to childhood cancer awareness.

Your fundraiser doesn't need to be complicated. Choose an activity that suits your group, set a fundraising goal and encourage everyone to get involved. The funds raised will help us continue delivering practical support to families facing childhood cancer.

Find fundraising ideas and get started

4. Get Your Business Involved

Businesses can play an important role in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by using their platforms, teams and networks to raise awareness and funds.

You could invite staff to wear gold, organise a workplace fundraiser, make a donation or run a customer-facing promotion that supports kids with cancer. Businesses can also share key messages about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month across their social media channels, newsletters and internal communications to help spread the word.

Partnerships between local businesses and the community can turn small actions into meaningful support for families. If your business is looking for a way to contribute this September, we'd love to hear from you.

Partner with the Childhood Cancer Association

5. Share Information and Start a Conversation

Raising awareness can be as simple as sharing a post, talking to friends or helping your community understand what families experience when a child is diagnosed with cancer.

Follow us on social media and share our Childhood Cancer Awareness Month content with your network. You could explain what the gold ribbon represents, highlight the importance of practical family support or encourage others to get involved in September.

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