The Crystal Lee Foundation : Moyne Shire Business and Economic Development NEWS:
While she was fighting her own battle with cancer, Crystal Lee had a dream to create an organisation that would support other young Australians dealing with cancer. After Crystal Lee passed away at just nineteen years of age, her mother Jo set out to make that dream a reality. The Crystal Lee Foundation was founded in October 2019, Jo Sinclair told us: ‘We’ve started by helping Victoria’s South West, and we’ll go from there. The foundation offers youth cancer and family support for people between the ages of 13 and 24 affected with an oncology diagnosis, as well as offering bereavement counselling. Whether the bereavement was two weeks or twenty years ago, the counselling is available for anyone.’ The support is bespoke and ranges from providing grocery vouchers, cooking or gardening support, respite care for mums and dads that need a break, weekends away, as well as funding headstones in cases where the young person is facing end of life. Care with Flair The Foundation raises funds through their op shop located in Koroit. The Crystal Lee Foundation Op Shop on Commercial Road may just be the most stylish op shop you’ve ever seen. Customers are always blown away by the fact that it looks and feels like boutique store. And this was intentional, Jo explains: ‘For some people op shopping is a choice, while for others it’s their only option. It was important for us to honour the people we support by giving a special shopping experience.’ Making the most of mentors Jo took advantage of the Council’s Business Adaption Service that matched her with a business coach who guided her with business advice through what was needed to start the organisation. Jo also learnt a lot about merchandising and creating looks to inspire customers from her time working with Vanessa Stormer and the team at Decked Out On Bank in Port Fairy. Have a Ball supporting the cause The Crystal Lee Foundation is always open for donations, if you’re planning a spring clean of your wardrobe, consider donating clothes to them. Corporate sponsorship is another important way local businesses can get behind this great cause and help continue the work they do. For a night of fun, fashion and food be sure to purchase tickets to their upcoming Crystal Lee Foundation Gala Ball on the 22nd of October. The theme of the night is ‘Vintage Glamour’, the event will include a fashion parade to model ten dresses that will be auctioned live as well as other exciting auction items. Guests will enjoy a three course meal and drinks are bar prices from local producers as well as local live music. Tickets will soon be available crystallee.org for updates be sure to follow them of facebook or Instagram.
