PERTH, AUS – VGW has donated a combined US$80,000 to support breast cancer research and care through its October Giveback Initiatives with Chumba Casino and Global Poker.
On 26 October in the US, Chumba Casino hosted its first-ever Giveback Hunt, resulting in a US$40,000 donation from VGW to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit providing trusted information and a supportive community for those affected by breast cancer.
“At Living Beyond Breast Cancer, we make sure people facing breast cancer have the support they need,” said Jean Sachs, CEO of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. “Since 2021, VGW has supported us so that we can be there for over one million people and offer real answers, real stories, and real help every step of the way. We’re so proud and grateful for this continued and generous partnership.”
This was followed on 30 October with Global Poker’s ongoing Giveback Tournament, resulting in a US$40,000 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). BCRF funds world-leading research to prevent and cure breast cancer.
“All year we’ve had such exciting updates on the progress being made – it really is a time for research moving not just in leaps, but HUGE leaps forward and that is because of the sustained support from extraordinary partners such as VGW,” said Donna McKay, President and CEO of Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The impact of these initiatives extended beyond financial support, resonating deeply with players and the broader community. One Chumba Casino player shared:
“I got an email about the donation to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. That meant so much to me — I had breast cancer in 2016. Some people think it’s a death sentence, but it’s all in how you fight it. Please thank the team for supporting breast cancer survivors. It made me love Chumba even more.”
Separately in October at VGW’s head office in Perth, Western Australia, the company was delighted to welcome Maria Waton, a guest speaker and the Nursing Clinical Lead from Breast Cancer Care WA (BCCWA), a charity supported by VGW.
Ms Waton discussed BCCWA’s impact, breast health awareness, and common myths. Since 2000, the charity has offered free specialist nursing, counselling, and financial support to West Australians affected by breast cancer – all without government funding.
“We are incredibly grateful for VGW’s generous international support for breast cancer. Their funding of a Breast Cancer Care WA specialist breast care nurse and counsellor for 12 months will make a real difference, helping more Western Australians access the support they need during a particularly challenging time,” said Max Clarke, CEO of BCCWA.
“It’s inspiring to see our teams rally around causes that support research, education, and care. We’re proud to help make a difference in the communities where we operate,” said Laurence Escalante, Founder, Chairman and CEO of VGW.
To learn more about the organisations supported by VGW’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiatives, please visit:
Living Beyond Breast Cancer: www.lbbc.org
Breast Cancer Research Foundation: www.bcrf.org
Breast Cancer Care WA: www.breastcancercarewa.org.au
Media Contact
Michael Bennet
Head of External Affairs, VGW
M: +61 412 555 309.
E: michael.bennet@vgw.co
