For more than eight years, the MGA Whittles Group Community Foundation has been turning community spirit into meaningful impact. Through charity golf days, workplace fundraisers and a shared commitment to giving back, the Foundation has raised more than $73,000 to support melanoma research through the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.
What began as a desire to support important causes has grown into a lasting partnership driven by awareness, action and a determination to help create a future where fewer Australians are affected by melanoma.
“In Australia, melanoma touches more people than we realise. The work AMRF is doing in research, awareness and improving outcomes is something we value, and it’s a big part of why we continue to support them.”
For those who may not be familiar with the MGA Whittles Group Community Foundation, can you tell us a little about your mission and community focus?
The MGA Whittles Group Community Foundation is built around giving back to the communities we’re part of.
Our role is straightforward: we raise funds and ensure 100% goes directly to charities doing important work.
While we support a range of causes, the focus is always on people, animals and the environment, and supporting organisations that are making a real difference on the ground.
What first inspired the team at MGA Whittles Group to support melanoma research and the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation?
Our support for melanoma research, particularly through the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation (AMRF), has developed over time. In Australia, melanoma touches more people than we realise. The work AMRF is doing in research, awareness and improving outcomes is something we value, and it’s a big part of why we continue to support them.
Internally, that focus carries through with initiatives that encourage regular skin checks and help cover the cost for our people. Over the years, committee members have also participated in the Melanoma March in honour of friends affected by skin cancer, which has further strengthened our connection to the cause.
Over the years, your fundraising efforts have raised significant funds for melanoma research. What does that achievement mean to your team?
Over the past 8 years, we’ve donated more than $73,000 to melanoma research, which the team is genuinely proud of.
Just as important, though, has been the shift in understanding around melanoma itself. It’s increasingly clear that it doesn’t just affect older people; in Australia, it’s one of the more common cancers in younger adults, including those in their 20s and 30s. That is something many of us didn’t fully appreciate growing up, and it’s reinforced the importance of awareness, early detection, and continued research.
“A big part of our foundation approach is getting everyone involved. It brings people together, gives everyone a way to contribute, and helps build a shared sense of purpose as a group.”
For organisations wanting to build a stronger culture of giving, what advice would you offer?
A big part of our foundation approach is getting everyone involved. Our annual charity golf day is a key event, supported by morning teas, BBQs and other fundraising activities across our offices nationally.
It brings people together, gives everyone a way to contribute, and helps build a shared sense of purpose as a group.
Congratulations to the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation on 20 years of important work and impact. We are proud to play a small part in supporting what you do and look forward to continuing that partnership.
Read other inspiring stories
