Suncorp has marked the fifth year of its employee-led fundraising program, Spirit to Cure, which supports cancer research, prevention, and patient services through a series of active events across Australia and New Zealand.
Launched in 2021 in partnership with Tour de Cure, the program has generated $6.2 million to date.
The insurer aims to reach $8 million in contributions by the close of the 2025 campaign.
The 2024 round brought in $1.7 million, directed to cancer-related charities and initiatives.
Chief information officer Adam Bennett, who joined the Sydney 10-kilometre walk – a newly added option this year – said the events continue to grow.
“Suncorp’s people truly look forward to the annual Spirit to Cure events, and it’s great to see the program grow over the last five years in participation, accessibility, partnerships, and fundraising,” he said.
Program manager Caitlin Makin said additional activities have been introduced to encourage more involvement, particularly in regional areas. These include a Townsville walk and a swimming event in Brisbane.
“These additions aim to support accessibility and expand the program’s reach in the regions,” she said.
She added that proceeds are directed to Tour de Cure, which enables Suncorp to select beneficiary organisations.
The campaign also shares stories of employees affected by cancer, including privacy manager Paul Ryan, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023.
Ryan has taken part in several fundraising events during treatment, dedicating proceeds to brain cancer foundations.
“Cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event that provides moments of clarity. Like what is important in life; your wife and children, family, and friends,” he said.
He set a $20,000 fundraising goal this year in memory of a friend with the same illness.
Ryan recently returned to work in a compliance role after two years of treatment. He said flexible work arrangements have allowed him to balance medical care with professional responsibilities.
“I love my job at Suncorp, and it was good coming back to work. A lot has changed in the rapidly evolving world of AI since I went into hospital, and it has been important for me to remain engaged in my work,” he said. “But my treatment is ongoing, and I need flexible work arrangements to get to doctors’ appointments, to recover from treatment, and spend time with family.”
The community initiative comes alongside Suncorp’s latest financial results. The group reported net profit after tax of $1.82 billion for the year, up 52% from the prior period.
The results reflected a $252 million one-off gain from the sale of Suncorp Bank and $99 million from New Zealand Life. Gross written premium for the year reached $8.14 billion.
Events for the 2025 campaign will continue until late October in eight cities including Perth, Newcastle, Adelaide, Hobart, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Sydney, and Townsville.
