As the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis continues to evolve daily and effect all of our lives, we thought we would let you know how things are going here at the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF). We’ve been fielding a few questions about this year's MHF Beanie for Brain Cancer Campaign especially relating to the NRL Beanie Round, scheduled for Round 19 from July 23-26.
Regardless of changes made to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership competition - and any other event for that matter - myself and the Foundation remain committed to our cause. This means our major annual fundraiser the “Beanie for Brain Cancer” campaign will go ahead in 2020 despite the many hurdles that arise daily. We made a promise to brain cancer patients and their families to hopefully one day find a cure for brain cancer by raising vital funds for research and we intend to keep that promise.
As you can imagine, the process of designing and producing over a hundred and fifty thousand beanies doesn't happen overnight, so our beanies are well into the production phase. With the NRL competition playing behind closed doors this weekend and for an indefinite period there is a lot of uncertainty. Like the rest of the world, the NRL community is trying to navigate through unprecedented circumstances - but if there is one thing I know more than anything else about rugby league people, it’s that when times are tough… we all stick together.
As things stand at the moment our 2020 beanies will go on sale from June 1 - regardless of NRL competition changes - and we can’t wait to reveal our brand new designs which include our very first kids' beanie! We want to assure you we are still 'all systems go' on our quest to defeat brain cancer though it's becoming obvious that we need to be resilient and flexible in the ways in which we achieve that this year.
Brain Cancer research is unable to be postponed, it has to keep going no matter what. The fact remains brain cancer is still the leading cause of death in Australia for children and those under 40 years of age.
You will still be able to purchase your 2020 MHF beanies from June 1 via our usual platforms; the MHF website markhughesfoundation.com.au and in-store at selected IGA & Lowes Australia retail stores. You can also rest assured we will always work within accordance of the regulations and directives of local health authorities, the Australian Government and World Health Organisation during this pandemic crisis.
This is a unique and challenging time for us all and it is unsettling not knowing what is to come. Please remember however we are in this together so be kind to one another and follow the guidelines to keep as healthy as possible. One thing I know for certain however is that our beanies are on their way which should hopefully bring a smile to all of our supporters in this difficult time.