When Jeans for Genes was born 30 years ago, one of its founders suddenly realised what Children’s Medical Research Institute had been missing – everyday people supporting science.

Former CMRI fundraiser Stephen Ryall, who was part of the group who produced the concept of Jeans for Genes, said it “turned us around’’.

“Jeans and Genes changed us in the community. We became known nationally and research was suddenly something that everyday people on the street could support - this had never happened before.’’

Three decades later and everyday people are still as committed as ever – raising more than $2 million this year with more funds still coming in every day.

Anita Hancock is the mother of one of this year’s faces of Jeans for Genes – Amelia who lives with a genetic eye condition. She knew being part of the campaign would be an excellent way to advocate for her daughter and to educate the community about genetic conditions, but she was shocked by the community support. To date she has raised more than $145,000 during 2023.

“When Amelia was asked to be a face of Jeans for Genes, we thought it would be a great opportunity to educate others about vision loss. What we didn’t expect was for all our family and friends to really get behind us and raise such an extraordinary amount of money for the cause. We are so excited to think that, through this fundraising, life changing research will come to fruition. That is so important to our family and so many others.’’

Jeans for Genes Fundraising Manager Greg Noel-Butterworth said the power of the campaign, even after 30 years, was that people loved to unite behind the opportunity for a brighter future for children.

“We’re very aware that the Australian public have a lot of extra pressures this year, yet they have still managed to blow us away with their generosity,’’ he said. “It heartens all of us, particularly the scientists, to think that Australians have so much faith and belief in this vital work.’’