Changes to Cupid's in 2023

CUPID’S UNDIE RUN will no longer run in 2023

There are a lot of fond memories that surround an event like the Cupid’s Undie Run (CUR). For ten years, we have asked you to take to the streets in your undies with thousands of fellow runners to raise awareness and funds for people living with neurofibromatosis (NF).

Resplendent in red, we started important conversations about the physical and social challenges many with NF face; helping to spread the message that stripped down, we are all the same. Fearsome. Fabulous. Strong.

But the last three years have been tough on an event that performs best in front of an audience, not at home. 

In 2020, we cancelled just 10 days out from the run (as advised by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer) but were thrilled with how superbly everyone welcomed the idea of going from the “streets to the screen”.

It was a concept we sought to replicate to a degree in 2021, and again in 2022, despite our best efforts to run the event in-person. Opportunities for fundraising have declined alongside these unforeseen and uncontrollable changes.

Unfortunate as these circumstances have been, it has also presented an opportunity for reflection and growth as we look to move the organisation forward. 

Following the relaunch of the Children’s Tumour Foundation brand and website in May 2020, we have been on a three-year journey to build profile and presence in an increasingly cluttered market.

NF is a complicated condition, so of course it is not going to be represented by one single colour. The unofficial, but now very accepted colours for NF are blue and green. By aligning with our international counterparts, we help ensure greater consistency and recognition globally.

We have worked collaboratively with our international counterparts to shine a light on NF by lighting up buildings and landmarks blue and green during NF Awareness Month in May, introduced a blue and green ribbon to formally represent the charity and condition, while also working hard to put (and keep) NF on the national and state government agendas.

Our goal has been to start a national conversation about NF in Australia and with the support of our PR team (Buzz Group), partners and community we are seeing the fruits of that labour.

AWARENESS OF THE CHILDREN'S TUMOUR FOUNDATION HAS INCREASED 4% IN TWO YEARS AND NEUROFIBROMATOSIS IS NOW AT 17%*

With so much positive momentum building around the brand, it has become increasingly clear that our best path forward lies in identifying opportunities that align with and strengthen the Children’s Tumour Foundation brand.

It is in this spirit that we have decided to not move forward with Cupid’s Undie Run in 2023. 

We have not taken this decision lightly. We recognise the time, effort and love that has gone into its execution every year by our race directors and volunteers, as well as the bravery of those who have dared to bare for us.

However, after consultation with our Community Advisory Panel, partners, board and Marketing and Fundraising Committee, we feel that this is the best decision for our brand and business in the short-term.

So, what's next?

We are excited to share a new program of activities to be rolled out over the next few months. This includes piloting a new event in Sydney on Sunday 13 November 2022. 

CONQUER NF IN COLOUR is a fun run that is seriously blue and green. 

We will be asking participants to chalk it up over 2km, 4km or 10km in a unique event that has everything from water stations, chalk canons, music and more!

We will be trialling this new family-friendly event in Sydney (registrations will open next week) with the goal to roll out similar events around the country in time.

That is not all.

We will be relaunching the NF Hero Challenge as an “always on” fundraising proposition. What does that mean? You do not have to wait for a particular month to take on a challenge. You can set up a fundraising page when it suits you, not us. We know how complicated a life with NF can be.

In fact, you can start right now!

START A FUNDRAISER 

Anyone who starts a fundraiser in September and raises a minimum of $250 before the end of October will go into the draw to win one of five $50 vouchers from The Card Network, PLUS you will receive a FREE NF Hero Cape and Hat.

We will be kicking off a new online fundraising event in January next year: Steps towards a Cure

Each of these campaigns will be accessible anywhere in the country, plus we will also be rolling out camps now that COVID is being managed. So, we are working towards having several opportunities for everyone to come together in person and online.

Keep an eye on our socials and e-newsletters for further details.

Most importantly, we wanted to take this moment to offer our very sincere thanks to everyone who has helped run, volunteered, or participated in Cupid’s Undie Run over the past 10 years. These have been golden years of joy and fun; something we hope to replicate in other ways as we start down a new and exciting path.

If you have any questions or concerns or wish to pursue a DIY Cupid's event in your area, please feel free to contact us by email on fundraising@ctf.org.au or phone 02 9713 6111. 

Yours Sincerely,

Leanne Dib, CEO

*Nature Research, 2022