Sixers long term charity partner, the Sony Foundation, today announced the recruitment of one of our favourite magenta men and current Australian Cricket Captain Steve Smith as their newest Ambassador.
For Smith, the important work that Sony Foundation carry out, via their national Youth Cancer Program, to build specialised youth cancer centres around the country is cause close to Steve’s heart.
“Having worked with Sony Foundation during my time with the Sydney Sixers, I fully appreciate and can see how valuable the work that You Can does to help young Aussies with cancer. It is a cause I believe strongly in and hope to contribute as much as possible to raising awareness and support for You Can via my role as ambassador," he said.
The Sixers have worked with the Sony Foundation, and specifically the Youth Cancer Program, since BBL|01, raising awareness and funds for the program that works to improve cancer survival rates in young adults aged 15 – 25 years old by building specialised cancer treatment facilities. Cancer survival rates in this group can drop by up to 50% due to the specialised treatment and support required for young adults.
Sony Foundation opened Australia’s first ‘ You Can’ Centre in Perth, donating $1.8 million to fund the construction of the centre. A second You Can Centre is currently under construction at Prince Of Wales Hospital in Randwick, Sydney. Sony Foundation has committed $1.5 million to build the centre and is very excited to watch the Sydney centre come to life.
Sony Foundation CEO, Sophie Ryan is delight to have Steve as an Ambassador: “Having such a youthful, admired and committed Ambassador as Steve come on board is a huge gain for You Can and Sony Foundation. We are so grateful to Steve for genuine commitment to the youth cancer cause and for the important role he plays as an ambassador and voice for his age group of young Australians battling cancer.”
The Prince Of Wales You Can Centre is expected to be opened toward the end of 2016 and will provide a place of respite, support and world-class care facilities for cancer patients in the 15-25 age bracket that are currently falling through the gap in our medical system.
Image Id: ~/media/C80AA565781748A3B1DD94314505ABB7