Cancer Council WA has congratulated Woodside for signing up as a corporate ambassador for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea 2020, despite many of its office workers still working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Woodside will be matching employee donations for the upcoming event, with plans to host virtual morning teas to connect teams.
Cancer Council WA CEO Ashley Reid said they were thrilled Woodside was committed to championing this event following their incredible $30,000 contribution to Australia's Biggest Morning Tea in 2019, and encouraged other businesses in WA to follow suit.
"I would like to thank CEO Peter Coleman and the team from Woodside for showing us this support during these challenging times," Mr Reid said.
"2020 marks the 27th year of Australia's Biggest Morning Tea; it is one of our biggest fundraisers but the modification to this year's event is having substantial implications for the 32,000 Western Australian affected by cancer that rely on our support.
"Our 13 11 20 information and support line is donor-funded and at the moment we are seeing an increase in anxiety from immune-suppressed people coupled with the effects of isolation.
"It's imperative we can continue our 13 11 20 support and information line and our lodge accommodation for regional patients to ensure treatment plans can continue.
"We also need to adapt our Transport to Treatment program to continue providing country cancer patients safe transportation to and from their treatment centres in Perth.
"Every day another 33 Western Australians will hear the words "you have cancer". Cancer does not rest and neither do we.
"We face the very real possibility of falling short in the funding we need for these critical cancer services, so we thank CEO Peter Coleman and Woodside for their support and urge the WA business community to show their support for those affected by cancer during this critical time when they are more at risk."
Woodside CEO and Biggest Morning Tea Ambassador Peter Coleman said the company was proud to support Cancer Council WA during this challenging time.
"Woodside is delighted to be championing Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, with employees invited to participate virtually from their homes or in the office in compliance with social distancing guidelines. Our involvement in 2020 is more important than ever, as we encourage our people to remain connected to their teams," Mr Coleman said.
"The Western Australian business community can get behind Cancer Council WA at this uncertain time by signing up to host a morning tea: it's one way your company can show West Australians impacted by cancer that they are not alone.
"By supporting the cause, you will be making a difference in the lives of the 12,000 people in Western Australia diagnosed with cancer each year," he added. To donate or register to host a virtual morning tea, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au
