Patrons and Ambassadors
Justin Hemmes has transformed Merivale, his family’s fashion business, into a peerless hospitality powerhouse. Since taking the reins in 1997, Justin has made a major mark on Australian culture, dominating the hospitality industry and expanding the Merivale portfolio of 80+ venues to include a host of the country’s most ambitious and successful hospitality transformations. Through innovative development and design, Justin has an unrivalled reputation for attracting huge interest and new business, enlivening local economies and creating new Sydney icons.
Justin’s late father Mr John Hemmes was treated by Professor Joy Ho, the Chairperson and Director of Sydney Blood Cancer Research Institute. The Hemmes family has great appreciation and respect for the clinical care that John received and the difference that the staff make in an individual’s life. Justin and the Merivale team look forward to supporting Sydney Blood Cancer Research Institute with raising awareness that will hopefully one day assist with finding a cure for blood cancers.
The Sydney Blood Cancer Research Institute charity launch was held at the Establishment Hotel in Sydney in August 2019. The venue, organisation and many prizes of this event were kindly sponsored by Merivale.
The Pinn family
The Pinn family hold the annual golf charity day called the “Craig Pinn Memorial Golf Day” in memory of their husband and father Craig Pinn. The money raised from this event are donated to Sydney Blood Cancer Research Institute and 4 ASD kids. This charity Golf Day commenced in 2000. In November 2015, Craig Pinn lost his long and brave battle with Multiple Myeloma. Craig had been the heart and soul and the driving force behind this Golf Day charity event’s success, so it became only fitting that the event name changed to honour Craig. The event has grown from strength to strength each year, based on the continued generosity of groups who continually offer their support through team sponsorship, at the auctions and through donations. In addition many others have eagerly come on board at different times with their support over the last 20 years.
The Pinn family are proud supporters of Sydney Blood Cancer Research Institute as they know the impact that the staff had on Craig’s life. Craig loved his doctors and nurses at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, their kindness, care and support made it easier for Craig to attend appointments and guide him through his treatment and care. Craig always referred to the Haematology staff as his “Royal Prince Alfred” team.
Dennis and Leanne Sandrone
Dennis and Leanne Sandrone founded CALF (Cobbitty Aids Leukaemia Fund). Leanne was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 1987 and in 1989 they founded CALF as a thank you to the clinical staff at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for saving Leanne’s life. For the past thirty-four years Leanne remains in remission and the Sandrone’s have three beautiful adult children to enjoy life with as they grow older.
The Sandrone’s organise bush dances and fishing trips for fund raising which are supported by the local Cobbitty community and businesses. Each year CALF have a wonderful committee and generous supporters which makes the events very rewarding and enjoyable, with often three generations of families attending. To date CALF has raised over $500,000.
Sydney Blood Cancer Research Institute is so very grateful for Dennis and Leanne’s continued support, generosity and kindness.
The Cohen family
The Cohen family are generous supporters of the Sydney Blood Cancer Research Institute. Jenny Cohen, who was a patient with multiple myeloma, passed away in December 2023 after a 12-year battle with the disease and undergoing three stem cell transplants.
The family is forever grateful to the team at RPA for their exceptional level of compassion and care.
OUR Supporters
We are forever grateful to the individuals and businesses who support our research through financial and 'in-kind' donations.
