After a two-year absence, volunteers are back on the streets for Jeans for Genes Day. Standing firmly beside them are charity partner, Tyro who have a very personal connection to the cause.
In 2021 Tyro donated 50 EFTPOS machines to Children’s Medical Research Institute to use for our nationwide charity day – Jeans for Genes. This was the first time in the event’s history there wasn’t a charge for these devices.
The terminal devices were used in cities that weren’t in lockdown and allowed a safe and contactless way for people to buy Jeans for Genes merchandise, whilst making quick and easy donations to the cause.
This year the donated terminals will be used in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, and Adelaide as volunteers get excited to be back on the streets – including a number of Tyro staff members who are also helping out as volunteers.
Tyro Head of Risk Strategy and Operations, Alison Graham is one of those volunteers and has a personal connection to the Children’s Medical Research Institute. Her 12-year-old son Jack was diagnosed with cancer when he was six years old and has since received treatment resulting in recovery. Jack’s oncologist, Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza is on the Board of CMRI and told the family about the incredible work being done in the labs.
“Jack is doing well now, playing rugby and has taken up sailing,’’ Alison said. “It hasn’t stopped him from doing anything and living life to its fullest. And we have the research to thank for that.
“Every year, the treatments are evolving. Hopefully, as the research continues, we will have better survival rates, less medicine required and less side effects.
“When I think about the benefits of research, I think about how fortunate we are that Jack’s treatment was successful.
“I’m so proud to work at Tyro, knowing how important it is to support organisations such as the Children’s Medical Research Institute. I know it is hard for research institutes to attract awareness and funding and it is the kind of investment that doesn’t immediately pay off – it pays off for future generations, like Jack. That is why I am thankful for these types of partnerships.’’