NORTH MELBOURNE AFLW footballer Kaitlyn Ashmore is throwing her support behind an ambitious world record attempt on her old training track.
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A campaign is underway for Ballarat to create the world's longest, continuous line of coins. An Austrian community holds the record of 75 kilometres.
Ballarat is vying to set a new tone at 90 kilometres, spiralled around the Llanberris athletics track. Each coin in the chain to support wellness programs at Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.
It just makes the world of difference. People can feel well and supported.
- Simone Noelker, BRICC Wellness Centre coordinator
Ashmore is encouraging everyone in her hometown to shake out their pockets and rattle some tins to be part of the effort for A Little Change, Big Difference.
"Cancer's a big thing, affecting so many people," Ashmore said. "I'm happy to help however I can in Ballarat - even if it is just for 10 minutes, like now, to encourage people to donate."
Official measuring for Ballarat efforts takes place on December 6. Campaign organiser Shane Darroch said the most important focus was not so much on the final day but on now.
Mr Darroch said the aim was to raise as much money as possible by mid-November when Royal Australian Mint will convert donations to coin.
How much Ballarat can raise will determine what value coins will be used in an effort to beat the world record: 90 kilometres of 50 cent coins equates to about $2 million.
Organisers say if everyone in Ballarat donates one metre of coins, the city will easily capture the world record.
"This is something different and a way of getting the whole Ballarat community on board. We want to break the record and put Ballarat on the world map," Mr Darroch said.
"The outcome will hopefully be a lot of money raised for the local wellness centre, which relies wholly on fundraising."
Mr Darroch has been a passionate champion for BRICC Wellness Centre since his mum died with cancer seven years ago.
He wished the holistic support programs had been on offer when his mum was undergoing treatment but hoped in generating coinage for the quirky challenge, he could also generate a lot more awareness for the wellness centre.
Click on the photo below to find why Ballarat nerds are going sober again, this time without coffee withdrawals to help the wellness centre
Based at Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital, the wellness centre is open to all cancer patients regardless of where they have treatment. Programs range from financial advice to oncology massage, yoga, art therapy and a cozy lounge to wait between appointments.
Wellness Centre coordinator Simone Noelker said whatever change anyone could spare would make a big difference.
"When you get a cancer diagnosis, the treatment is a big part of it but there are so many other aspects of your life it affects," Ms Noelker said. "We just need to make sure we're supporting them all in trying to help with people's anxiety, pain nausea and all the other side effects they're having as a result of the cancer or treatment.
"It just makes the world of difference. People can feel well and supported."
Start helping at alittlechangeabigdifference.com.au or in person via the BRICC Wellness Centre.
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