Shopping beats cancer

Sandi Bonavita is in the clear after 18 years. 133220 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By GEORGIA WESTGARTH

HAVING beaten cancer five times, Sandi Bonavita needs help to keep fighting the disease.
“It’s an absolute miracle I’m still alive,” Ms Bonavita said – and after seeing what the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation does first-hand Ms Bonavita is willing to keep fundraising for a cure.
“Some of the stuff Peter Mac is discovering about women’s cancers is amazing and all the money raised goes to research,” she said.
Aiming to give $40,000 to the foundation by April 2016, Ms Bonavita has already raised $3600 since March this year and hopes an upcoming shopping tour will add to that total.
“This year my fundraising team is called ‘Mimi’s Gang’ and so far as a group we’ve raised $14000,” she said.
Well on their way to a new fundraising record, the team of 19 is hosting a day of wholesale shopping around Richmond.
“Anybody can join us – a bus will be doing a pick up at the Pakenham Cardinia Cultural Centre at 7.15am and the Winepress in Berwick at 7.30am,” Ms Bonavita said.
All clear from cancer after years of pain and angst, Ms Bonavita said fundraising for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation is her passion.
“I have to give something back after 18 years,” she said.
For more information on the shopping tour and to book a seat for Saturday 17 October contact Sandi Bonavita on 0414 427 631 before 10 October.
Stop offs include Diana Ferrari, Converse and the Linen Factory.