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Date:
4/8/2009

Title:
Farmers Market Supports Cancer Survivor

Content: The Kalamunda Farmers Market weekly raffle has raised over $500.00 for Cancer Survivor Bruce Kentish.

Bruce will trek the Bibblumun Track in a bold fundraising bid inspired by hardship with good friend and the head of Bendigo Health’s Medical Imaging Unit Luke Adorni - he hopes to walk 20km a day for 50 days in an effort to complete the 1000 kilometer world famous track.

President of the Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce, Mr Rob Bentley heard of the plan via google alerts and invited the pair to the weekly Kalamunda Farmers Market on Sunday to raise local awareness of the trip. All proceeds from Sunday’s Farmers Market Raffle, which includes produce and goodies from every stall at the market, have been donated to the Bendigo Health Foundation.

Bendigo Health Foundation director Gloria Turner said the money donated would benefit the “Raise the Roof” appeal - a fundraising initiative to improve the lives of cancer patients while they receive treatment.

Bruce and Luke left from the Northern Terminus at Kalamunda on Monday Aug 3 and are expected to arrive in Albany in mid September.

Mr Kentish thanked Robert Bentley and the Kalamunda Farmers Market for the opportunity to highlight his cause saying, "I want to be a bit of a light to people who have got cancer and are going through treatment, to show there is life after it. You can recover and do all sorts of crazy things. Like going on a 1000km walk.”

Mr Adorni said the pair would be carrying packs weighing 26kg each, and had trained steadily for the gruelling walk from Kalamunda to Albany. Mr Kentish has lost about that much weight since he was diagnosed with cancer in 2000.

"I just hope we make it, we really wanted it to be a bit of a challenge,” said Mr Adorni, who has worked at the hospital for about 15 years.

The Kalamunda Farmers Market is a true farmers market, where shoppers can buy direct from the farmer, grower or producer in the Perth hills.

Farmers markets are gaining popularity because not only are consumers realising that fresh locally grown food tastes better, and lasts longer, but buying local produce is helping our own local economy and local farmers. In addition, as food does not have to travel so far to reach consumers, it is also reducing environmental impact.

The market is a source of organic fruit and vegetables. With the farmers market, local farmers can once again become viable, consumers have access to fresh, healthy foods, and local economies  benefit by keeping the dollars circulating in the local economy. The Kalamunda Farmers Market is also committed to supporting not for profit community initiatives.

To find out the latest details on the Market, stall holders, available produce and all the latest news and announcements go to www.kalamundachamber.com.au.