Perhaps you’re an avid rock climber, knitter or have long dreamed of trekking one of Australia’s premier hikes. A Shine a Light DIY community fundraiser lets you create a unique event while doing something you love or find interesting.
Lung Foundation Australia’s Community Fundraising Specialist William Ho says Shine a Light DIY fundraising is one of the most powerful ways supporters can come together to drive real change.
“They give supporters the freedom to create something deeply personal, an event that reflects their story, honours their loved ones, and invites their community to rally in a meaningful way,” he says.
“These authentic, heartfelt moments of generosity and support are often where we see the most incredible impact—not just in funds raised, but in the awareness built and hope inspired for all those impacted by lung cancer.”
We spoke to a few Lung Foundation Australia fundraisers about events they’ve created and hosted in their own communities.
Pat and Tania – Trivia Night
Pat and Tania, both living with lung cancer, have become firm friends from hosting their evolving DIY fundraiser together.
Tania initially hosted a Shine a Light community walk and Pat heard about it on the radio before volunteering to help run a community event. Now a few years down the track the dynamic duo (along with the help of family and friends) have switched tack hosting a trivia night so successful they’ve already put out a date claimer for 2026.
“This year we set ourselves the goal to raise $10,000 for Lung Foundation Australia and we’ve come in at around $16,200,” Tania shares.
“We’ve already had locals asking us if they can donate items for our auction or raffle next year.”
For someone considering hosting their own DIY fundraiser for Lung Foundation Australia, Pat and Tania suggest something that is fun and encourages people to enjoy themselves.
“People like to go out and have a good time, laugh. You can still let people know the seriousness of why we’re fundraising,” Pat says.
Steph – The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever
Steph raises money for Lung Foundation Australia in honour of her husband Chris. Chris was diagnosed with lung cancer and sadly passed away in 2021.
It was during Chris’s time living with lung cancer that Steph followed Lung Foundation Australia on Facebook and discovered it offered her valuable information and guidance.
After Chris passed away, Steph’s friend Hazel mentioned there was a Kate Bush Wuthering Heights Day cancer fundraiser in Bunbury.
“Hazel and I have always liked Kate Bush’s music and when we heard there was a whole event around it, we couldn’t get in the car quickly enough,” she says.
“We loved the wonderful vibe at the event and meeting all the other Cathy/Kates for a good cause.”
It was this event that sparked Steph’s own inspiration to organize her own Wuthering Heights Day fundraiser in her and Chris’s old neighbourhood Guildford for the following year.
“We held the first event in 2023 and started fundraising for Lung Foundation Australia and in honour of Chris.
“We didn’t know if 10 or 100 Kates would show up but Hazel and I wanted to do something to raise awareness about lung cancer and lung disease in general.”
The event has grown each year and Steph says the highlight is seeing people from all walks of life come to celebrate.
“If you’re thinking of hosting an event like ours to raise funds for Lung Foundation Australia I would say reach out to them. It is made so much easier with their support and knowing you are doing something for such a great cause.”
Got an idea?
If you’re inspired to raise funds for lungs like Pat, Tania and Steph, you can create your own fundraiser here.
Was this page helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.
