GV Health Foundation's Amy De Paola and Graham Hill Eyecare director/optometrist Mark DePaola.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Five years ago, Mark DePaola wanted to do something to support local women receiving treatment for cancer.
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“Like so many families, our family has had direct experience with cancer,” he said.
This personal experience inspired the director of Graham Hill Eyecare to start an annual sunglasses expo.
The event raises funds for the GV Health Foundation to support women’s oncology services in the region.
Five years on, it has raised a combined total of more than $100,000.
This year’s edition, held on Tuesday, October 27, raised a record total of $27,000.
That equates to 108 pairs of sunglasses sold.
The expo is scheduled to coincide with the Ladies Who Lunch fundraiser, an annual luncheon held to raise funds for the foundation.
Mr DePaola said the expo was all about “celebrating fashion, UV protection and community services”.
Five hundred different varieties of sunglasses were featured on the day, up from the store’s usual 200.
Many different brands featured prominently at the expo, including Tom Ford, Gucci, Saint Laurent and Oroton.
“We love bringing the best we have to offer to Shepparton,” Mr DePaola said.
All sunglasses sold on the day were 20 per cent off, with 50 per cent of proceeds donated to the GV Health Foundation.
Funds previously raised have been used to upgrade vital equipment in GV Health’s oncology unit and support local women undergoing cancer treatment in Melbourne with accommodation and transport costs.
Mr DePaola said he wanted locals going through cancer to have the “world’s best services” and hoped the event could play a small part in achieving that.
“We know how important it is to have quality local services rather than having to leave town,” he said.
Graham Hill staff members show off their shades.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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