Dorothy-Jane ‘DeeJay’ Gosper and Curves gyms receive Bosom Buddies' Awards

DeeJay Gosper and local Curves gyms were awarded by Bosom Buddies for fundraising support over the past year. DeeJay Gosper is a highly sought after Canberra Blues, Jazz and Roots Singer, Songwriter and Harmonica player.

The Curve’s gyms are separately owned and provide a 30-minute strengthening workout for women. Five Canberra locations participated in a special fundraising program for our community.

But why the Bosom Buddies' awards? It began a few years ago when DeeJay was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and volunteers from the local breast cancer support group, Bosom Buddies ACT, gave her support and encouragement she needed to go through the treatment.

Since then she has done many things to support the organisation that helped her. Her group, DJ & the KarismaKatz, played for survivors and supporters at Bosom Buddies' Christmas-in-July dinners and other events. DeeJay understood that Bosom Buddies ACT could only keep helping others if it had the funds to do so. (Bosom Buddies does not receive funding from governments or national breast cancer organisations.)

This year, DeeJay suggested to the owner of the Curves gym in Weston to choose Bosom Buddies as the charity to receive funds raised during October Breast Cancer Month. The Curve’s owner in Weston, Julie Griffen, contacted Anita O’Meara and Melissa Turner (owners of Belconnen and Gungahlin), Chris Conway in Wanniassa and Kylie Parsons in Dickson. The enthusiasm to support the local community spread. These Curves gyms agreed to raise money within their communities for the local breast cancer support group.

In late October the Curves gyms held raffles, contests and fundraising parties where DeeJay & the Hot Flush Blues Band performed. The result of this community-working-for-the-community activity has been a major donation of $8,500 to Bosom Buddies ACT Inc, which will help keep their community work going another year.

“I am overwhelmed by DeeJay Gosper's goodwill and by each of the owners of Curves organising such great community support to raise funds for us", said Kate Darcy, President of Bosom Buddies ACT. "I know that Bosom Buddies volunteers who support patients and their families, provide information and advocate on behalf of breast cancer patients in our region, will be so grateful for this support".

"I also thank Curves at Weston, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Wanniassa and Dickson for their generous support. Their contribution will make an amazing difference to us", Kate Darcy said. We have presented a certificate of appreciation to each of the owners and to DeeJay a “treasured supporter” award for all she has done over the past five years.

DeeJay Gosper & the Hot Flush Blues Band officially launched their new album, “The Driver’s Seat”, on Friday 18th November, 8.30pm at The Old Canberra Inn, Mouat St, Lyneham.