After surviving brain cancer Dan Murphy’s worker Elias Forbes rallied his store team Dan Murphy’s Woolloongabba to host barbecues for customers throughout June in an effort to raise funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
But after hearing about the story 40 other Dan Murphy’s stores in Queensland jumped into action. In fact more than 1000 team members from the 41 stores serve over 6800 sausages to customers on Saturday 19 June alone.
In total, Elias and his Queensland Dan Murphy’s colleagues raised $31,782 during the month of June alone and with Dan Murphy’s Managing Director Alex Freudmann matching the funds raised dollar for dollar, Elias handed over almost $65,000 to the Mark Hughes Foundation.
“This has been a whirlwind experience, and it has just blown my mind how everyone got onboard with the fundraising,” Elias said.
“I’m just so thankful for everyone’s efforts, and it was incredible to see how quickly it tidal waved from one barbeque at a local store to statewide efforts, and then Alex Freudmann matching the funds raised. It has been an unbelievable experience.”
Freudmann added: “We have an incredible and passionate team, and it has been wonderful to see everyone come together to support such an important cause. Thank you Elias for sharing your story, and for inspiring all of us.”
Mark Hughes of the Mark Hughes Foundation said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was told how much had been raised from this idea.
Our foundation belongs to the community, and when people from the community take the time to get involved like this reminds of the exact reason we set Mark Hughes Foundation up. I can’t thank Elias and the Dan Murphy’s team in Queensland enough for taking the initiative to make a difference for people suffering from Brain Cancer. We’re truly humbled by the $65,000 that has been raised.”
The reason Elias is passionate about raising funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation is because it focuses on raising funds for brain cancer research.
“There is only a 20 per cent survival rate of five years if you get diagnosed with brain cancer, so I feel it is important to help raise awareness and much needed funding to support vital research,” Elias said.
“I’ve seen how hard the struggle can be not only on myself but the toll it took on friends and family around me, so I wholeheartedly believe in charities such as the Mark Hughes Foundation that are making a difference everyday. I also want to thank my partner April who helped with the barbecues every Saturday in June at the Dan Murphy’s Woolloongabba,” he added.