The thermometer was well into the high 30’s but that didn’t deter residents at Kiah Lodge retirement village in Bateau Bay.

The annual fundraiser to help cancer research was underway, with participants determined to raise as much money as they could.

Residents  and staff of Kiah Lodge had spent months making craft items, canvassing for raffle prizes, potting plants and sorting through "white elephant" and second hand book donations.

Kevin Fidock, Client Services Manager at Kiah Lodge, extended his thanks to all involved. “People were gracious in their generosity and the effort has been greatly rewarded.”

$4000 was raised on the day, with Australian Unity donating a further $2500. Proceeds will be split between Friendship Angels Network, Candles Cancer Support Group and The Hunter Medical Research Institute.