Mount Isa City Council is going for gold during September to raise funds for the Golden Octopus Childhood Cancer Foundation.
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The Foundation belongs to 18-year-old Keely Johnson, a rising star of the country music scene and cancer survivor.
Originally from Townsville and now living in Ayr, Keely was diagnosed in 2014 with a rare cancer called Central Nervous System (CNS) Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH).
It is one of eight groups of childhood cancers and the inspiration for the Golden Octopus Foundation, and its eight legged, cowboy hat wearing mascot called OLLEE- named in honour of foundation ambassador Lee Kernaghan.
Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch said Council staff are embracing the opportunity to show their support for Keely and her foundation.
“Keely is such a strong, courageous and generous young woman,” Cr McCulloch said.
“She is doing incredible work raising vital funds to continue the search for cancer cure, especially cancers afflicting our children.
“Many Council staff have been touched by cancer in one way or another and so are pleased to have the chance to support Keely’s Golden Octopus Foundation.”
Throughout September, the Mount Isa City Council front foyer will be decorated in gold to help raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer.
Each Friday, staff will also dress in gold.
“We are doing collections every Friday during September culminating at the end of the month with an all staff fundraising morning tea,” Cr McCulloch said.
“The Foundation is aiming is to improve oncology facilities in all regional areas, including the implementation of childhood cancer nurses, to help reduce long stays away from families and friends. It’s a worthy cause and everyone at Council is digging deep.”
For more information on Keely and the Golden Octopus Childhood Cancer Foundation visit www.goldenoctopusfoundation.org.au.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
