A major national fundraising campaign hoping to raise $15 million to build quality youth cancer centres in Australia has been launched today by The Sony Foundation and CanTeen. The ‘You Can’ appeal will raise money for specialised treatment centres for the “forgotten” generation of Australian cancer sufferers – those aged 15-25.

The campaign is using a public call-to-action to raise funds. ‘You Can’ raise funds simply by recycling old mobile phones. There are an estimated 15-20 million unwanted phones in Australian homes and The Sony Foundation has partnered with Folamh an Irish Recycling company, to swap old mobiles for cash. All phones with either be refurbished or recycled, meaning people will be contributing to the fundraiser and to a greener planet.“The facts on youth cancer are staggering. One in 100 Australians is diagnosed with cancer before the age of 30, but in the last 25 years there has been virtually no improvement in survival outcomes for the 15 to 30 age group. More can be done,” Sony Foundation Australia’s executive director, Dr Louise Messara said.

The creation of these new centres virtually guarantees an increase in the survival rates, through the collaboration of medical experts, the development of specialised treatments and the opportunity for young people to be amongst peers in a dedicated, encouraging environment,” she added.

The Australian Government has already committed $15 million to begin to improve services, support and care for adolescents and young adults with cancer. 

Reply Paid mobile phone recycling envelopes will be inserted in national newspapers and magazines from early March. Old mobile phones can also be dropped into ‘You Can’ bins located in Sony Centres nationwide.