Not long after Jeans for Genes Day started an employee of Perth engineering company Lycopodium signed up to take part – never contemplating she would be creating a 28-year legacy that has raised more than $600,000.

Lycopodium managing director and chief executive officer Peter De Leo said the company’s relationship with Children’s Medical Research Institute began by employee Nina Coward doing something “small and positive’’.

“What Nina didn’t know at the time was how well it resonated with everyone at Lycopodium and that 28 years later Jeans for Genes Day at Lycopodium remains an enduring passion,’’ Mr De Leo said.

“This is our most long-standing partnership, and it is the one everyone knows about and wants to support. Jeans for Genes fundraising is primarily driven by our people - they have taken ownership from day one and every year strive to do more. Passing the torch to our younger team members starting their journey in philanthropy is rewarding.’’

In recent years Lycopodium have run a Quiz Night as a fundraiser and usually feature a speaker from CMRI, and a family impacted by genetic disease. This year Perth mum Anna Pitman spoke about her daughter Adeline who lives with an ultra-rare condition.

“Hearing Anna’s personal story at the Quiz Night was very touching,’’ Mr De Leo said.

“There is no doubt this provided clarity and context about what we were there for and the importance of the critical work being undertaken by CMRI. When you can relate to something on a personal level, it certainly hits home and it felt even more important to do our best for Adeline and for every child out there who is struggling with a serious illness.

“The more money raised, the more funds can be spent finding new treatments for childhood diseases.’’

This year’s Lycopodium Quiz Night raised an incredible $114,232 which has tipped their total fundraising over the last 28 years to more than $600,000.