Posted on 17th Aug 2011 @ 12:25 PM

The Kit Bag will again support the 2011 Police Wall 2 Wall Ride.

This year, all donations will go to Bright Blue, The Police Commissioners Fund for Sick Kids.

ABOUT BRIGHT BLUE

Bright Blue is a not-for-profit, public ancillary fund, established by WA Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan in March 2011. Our mission is to raise money and allocate 100% of donations towards purchasing specialised medical equipment for both research and direct treatment in helping sick kids throughout WA and beyond on an annual basis.

The formation of Bright Blue was initially inspired by two very special, very sick children of serving police officers and their brave fight against cancer. Upon visiting Princess Margaret Hospital’s Ward 3b, Commissioner O’Callaghan witnessed so many WA children whose lives were being challenged by cancer that he was motivated to somehow help outside of his role as Commissioner of Police.

Within days, Mr O’Callaghan and a contingent of police staff and supporters signed up to take leave and participate in a 3800km fundraising motorcycle ride across the country. Similarly, Rick Parish and the Adventurers had planned a climb of Mount Blanc to raise money for the same cause.

Collectively, the separate groups raised enough to purchase the only 3D Molecular Imaging Machine in the Southern Hemisphere to aid cancer research. The machine tests laboratory-grown tumours, enabling researchers to determine the best possible treatment for patients with mitigated risk.

The success of the motorcycle ride struck home what an extraordinary difference a group of committed individuals can make on behalf of sick kids and their families dealing with such an insidious and devastating disease.

Since last year’s events, Commissioner O’Callaghan’s actions have resulted in this unique charity, focused on now raising funds under the “Bright Blue” banner (Police Commissioner’s fund for sick kids).

After an initial consultation with Fiona Stanley in early 2011, the first $250,000 raised by Bright Blue during the calendar year will be directed towards purchase the accompanying 3D microscope, made possible through the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. This item of medical equipment will further support WA’s contribution to the global research in fighting and preventing childhood cancer. 

Sept 10th

The KitBag team were there to see off the Police motocyclists as they begin their journey to Canberra.