Pirate Day 2025

This year, we were proud to take part in Pirate Day 2025, coinciding with Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Across the country, schools, centres and workplaces joined in, raising over $87,000 for vital children’s brain cancer research through The Kids’ Cancer Project.

The following story about our Pirate Day fundraising was first published on The Kids’ Cancer Project/Pirate Day website. You can read the original article here.

ELCs form a large number of Pirate Day fundraisers, with many preschools collecting much-needed treasure for childhood brain cancer research. Paddington’s Gumnut Gardens is one such ELC, who had a fantastic Pirate Day campaign both on the day and in preparation to take on the high seas.

Donations made via QR codes and bake sales drove much of Gumnut’s donations, culminating in a total of $3,522. Pirate-themed games and activities took place on Pirate Day, with the entire centre transformed into imaginative pirate ships, supporting the socio-dramatic role play of students.

Gumnut Gardens Director, Liesel Murphy, says there’s one moment that stands out above the rest.

“One deeply moving and memorable moment was receiving a large donation just before our first bake sale. In speaking with the family, we learned that a relative of theirs had been personally affected, with their child diagnosed with brain cancer,” she says.

“It was a bittersweet exchange, while emotional, it created a powerful connection between our cause and our community. That moment brought even more purpose to our fundraiser and reminded us of the very real impact this cause has on the lives of families. 

“Days like Pirate Day spark meaningful conversations with children and families, helping to foster empathy, community spirit, and a sense of agency. They also show children that collective action, even through something as fun as dressing up and playing pirates, can make a real-world difference.

“It’s a powerful way to engage hearts and minds while supporting vital research and the families affected by this devastating illness.”