Paul Niardone will be feeling the cool winter air a little more this year after shaving off his lengthy beard to raise more than $60,000 to support cancer patients in Western Australia.
The Agency Group Executive Director said the The Agency and subsidiary group Mortgage & Finance Solutions Australia, teamed up to raise the funds for the Millstar Foundation, which was established in honour of school girl Milli Lucas.
Diagnosed with brain cancer when she was just nine, Milli underwent an initial round of therapy but relapsed, before receiving an operation with world renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charles Teo.
Milli also required alternative therapies that, at the time, were not available in WA, so she had to travel to Germany.
Sadly, Milli lost her battle with cancer in January 2021, aged 14.
The Millstar Foundation’s mission is to provide complementary alternative, holistic treatments to support cancer patients in WA.
Mr Niardone said he was pleased to shave his beard off for a good cause.
“It’s going to be a little chillier going into winter, but I can’t complain – it’s a fantastic outcome for all involved,” he said.
“Raising over $60,000 has absolutely smashed our expectations and the money will go directly to initiatives that support the Millstar Foundation and its mission to provide complementary alternative, holistic treatments to support cancer patients in WA.
“With these funds we will be able to provide better facilities right here in WA and reduce the need for cancer patients to fly interstate or internationally, as Milli had to do.”
The $60,000 was raised in part by a series of online auctions including a seven night stay at Riveresque in Margaret River, a framed Freemantle Dockers Starlight Foundation Jersey and signed boots from West Coast Eagles forward Josh Kennedy.
“The level of community support is massive, and the Foundation has seen household names get behind it, with messages of support from Dr Charlie Teo, Fremantle Dockers footballer Bailey Banfield and West Australian cricket star Cameron Bancroft,” Mr Niardone said.
“My heart goes out to all the brave people who are battling this insidious disease.
“The backing we have received is absolutely astounding and goes to show that even with a small gesture we can make a massive difference in the lives of cancer sufferers and other families living with cancer.”
The idea to raise funds for the Millstar Foundation arose from The Agency Group and MFSA staff, with Milli’s mother Monica working within the business as a finance specialist.
Mr Niardone said The Agency Group not only strives for results for customers but is also driven to ensure its workplace creates a supportive atmosphere where the whole team is willing to get behind initiatives that can make people’s lives better.
Donations can still be made by visiting paulsgreatshave.com.au
