WOW... What a frocking spectacular event this was! Recently, the Ruby Olive HQ team and a FABULOUS bunch of Frocking ROckstars came together at Covent Garden in Brisbane to help raise much needed funds for women's cancers. 

What is a 'Frocking ROckstar', I hear you ask? Let's start off with a little bit of background info... Did you know that 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85? There are some seriously scary statistics around women's cancers, and sadly as it stands, they remain silent killers.

October is an awareness month for both breast and ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer does not have any early detection tests, and up until last year, had absolutely no funding or support from the government for research. Zip, zilch, nada, none - which is simply heartbreaking for those affected by this form of cancer and their loved ones.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) created Frocktober in an aim to raise funds for further research, and in an effort to create an early detection test. Our fabulous customer and friend Sue, organised a Ruby Olive Frocktober team called the Frocking 'RO'ckstars - an amazing group of women, who just happen to also love Ruby Olive.

Our team fundraising event here in Brisbane was a High Tea at a gorgeous gin bar. I know, I know... A high tea at a gin bar with a fantastic cause, what could be better?! It was amazing. We all came together for a day of laughs, chats, food, fundraising and gin. Collectively we raised just shy of $1000 to add to the Frocking ROckstars tally.

The current fundraising total is now sitting at over $12000 (at time of publishing). How incredible is that! It blows us away seeing how phenomenal our community is, especially when everyone comes together, and the amazing things they achieve. See our high tea highlights and the gorgeous women who made it possible HERE.

So our question to you now... Can you help us reach $15000? We have created an adorable Jewels for Cancer Earring Pack to help raise more funds. $5 from every pack sold will go directly towards supporting women's cancers. Look fab while doing good! So far we've raised an extra $450 (split evenly between breast and ovarian cancer) with our Clips 4 Cancer. Each and every cent truly counts. Can you help?

All the ways you can get involved:
> Grab your Jewels for Cancer Earrings Packs 
> Donate directly on the Frocking ROckstars page
> SHARE with your friends and family 

Anita gave us the following thought provoking responses, along with simple and effective ways you can get involved and show your support. 

"Literature by Indigenous authors is important because it reflects the way we see ourselves, our truths in history, our lives and contributions to society today. Our literature not only showcases where we fit into the national literary landscape, but where we sit on the Australian identity radar

It’s essential that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children see themselves in the books they read and can relate to the experiences of the characters they engage with on the page. 

Many, if not most Indigenous people in remote communities speak more than two or three local languages, which demonstrates their knowledge and intelligence. But the reality is they are surrounded in their daily lives by communications in English. Warning information, signs and labels that keep people safe. Information on food packaging that allow for healthy choices. Street signs to get to places. These are basic daily needs in terms of being literate in English.

Just as important, is the capacity and desire for young Indigenous kids to read books that bring them joy. Books that tell stories they can relate to in both English and their own languages. Books that entertain, engage and also educate. Books that improve literacy so that they too can live a full life, because I know first-hand that reading opens doors to all of life’s wonderful opportunities.

Kids who can read English can search the internet and see what’s happening around the world. They can have conversations with other young people outside their communities. They can be social on a different level. This is not to diminish what they have which is rich and significant. Literacy just provides more opportunities, which many of us take for granted every day – including having access to books in our homes, in school libraries, and in public libraries." 

Find out more and help spread the word here:

INSTAGRAM > @IndigenousLiteracyFoundation

FACEBOOK > @IndigenousLiteracyFoundation

TWITTER > @IndigenousLF

WEBSITE > www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au