Jacob Kiraz

Winger for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Introducing Jacob Kiraz: Rising NRL Star and Champion for Childhood Cancer

Jacob Kiraz is a remarkable young talent making waves in the NRL as a formidable Winger for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. His journey in professional rugby league commenced in the 2022 NRL season when he made his highly anticipated debut for The Bulldogs in a thrilling match against the Brisbane Broncos. The moment he stepped onto the field, it was evident that Jacob had found his calling.

In the following week, Jacob achieved a significant milestone by scoring his first try in first grade, showcasing his impressive skills and determination. From that point on, he has continued to shine as an integral part of The Bulldogs, living his dream and leaving a mark on the sport he loves.

Beyond his stellar performances on the field, Jacob draws inspiration from someone very close to his heart – his younger brother, Joseph. Joseph’s brave battle against Leukemia has deeply touched Jacob and their entire family. Witnessing the immense impact of this journey has ignited a profound sense of purpose in Jacob’s heart.

Driven by a passion to make a difference, Jacob has chosen to become an Ambassador for the Kids with Cancer Foundation.  Through this role, he seeks to raise awareness of childhood cancer and contribute to the well-being of those who are facing similar challenges that his brother bravely conquered.

With Joseph’s treatment now completed, Jacob is more motivated than ever to leverage his platform as an NRL player to bring attention to the cause. He firmly believes that by working together and spreading awareness, we can provide hope and assistance to children and families affected by cancer, offering them the support they need during their most challenging times.

Jacob Kiraz embodies the essence of a true athlete with a big heart and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change. Both on and off the field, he continues to make his mark as an inspiring role model for aspiring athletes and compassionate advocates alike. As he graces the NRL with his remarkable talent, he also champions the cause closest to his heart, exemplifying the power of sportsmanship and empathy in making the world a better place.

Adam Kennedy

Professional Football Player for The GWS Giants

Adam Kennedy joined the GIANTS from the Western Jets in 2011. The defender made an outstanding AFL debut in round one in 2012 collecting 28 disposals and taking 11 marks and has gone on to be a key member of the GIANTS’ defence.

Adam is very passionate about joining the foundation in raising awareness and helping raise money for our children and families.

Jimmy Vernon

Production Car Prodigy Joins Superute Field

Two-time national champion and Kids with Cancer Foundation ambassador Jimmy Vernon has made the switch to the Haltech V8 SuperUte Series in 2023. After spending the last few seasons racing in production cars, Vernon has recently acquired the Mitsubishi Triton campaigned by David Sieders last year.

Vernon joins the category with experience in a wide variety of cars, finding success in Production Touring Cars, Porsche Cup Challenge, Trans-Am and open wheelers to name a few. The highlights of his career include winning the 2017 Toyota 86 Racing Series, followed closely by his recent Australian Production Cars A1 National Championship.

“I’ve been eagerly trying to find a way back into the Supercars paddock since COVID put a bump-steer on our career plans and after closely following SuperUtes last year, I knew it would be a fantastic way to jump back into national racing,” said Vernon.

“A lot of my focus in recent years has been using my position in motorsport to build awareness around the Kids with Cancer Foundation. It’s a charity I hold really close to my heart and I love getting the kids involved in our program throughout the year.”

In 2022, Jimmy Vernon pledged 20% of his corporate sponsorship to the charity, which he plans to continue into the SuperUtes this year. The funding raised goes directly back to the kids and families in need who are fighting cancer.

“When you look at the level of coverage that we’re lucky to receive in the Haltech V8 SuperUte Series, it’s a no-brainer to jump in and use that platform to represent the Foundation and all of my loyal partners who’ve supported me through the last few years,” Vernon concluded.

Jimmy Vernon will be known under the SuperUte nickname “The Phantom”, which will be reflected in his Triton emblazed with purple hues, and an extra incentive to get the kids from the foundation excited about their ambassador.

The Haltech V8 SuperUte Series kicks off at Barbagallo Raceway in late April.

To find out more about Jimmy visit him at – www.jimmyvernon.com

Viktoria Bolonina

Australian Classical and Contemporary Mezzo Soprano

Viktoria Bolonina is an Australian classical and contemporary mezzo soprano.
She was Top 4 on her team on The Voice Australia (Channel 9), she performed internationally in Belarus and Singapore and shared the stage with super stars like Seal, Keith Urban and Delta Goodrem.

Viktoria is a principal artist at Coast Opera Australia and since 2016, has been part of “Young Stars of Australian Opera” on Woolworths Carols in the Domain on Channel 7. You will see her there again this year too!

In April 2022 Viktoria was diagnosed with Grade 4 Astrocytoma Brain Cancer and has undergone surgery with a successful resection. She has completed 6 weeks of radiotherapy and is continuing chemo currently for another 6 months.

In addition to being a successful performing artist, Viktoria has been a singing teacher for the past 12 years. She teaches many kids and she is passionate about bringing music and joy into their lives.

Her current battle with cancer has given her a new purpose to help kids with health issues like cancer, physical and mental disabilities and, much more. She has become a Kids With Cancer ambassador to be a vehicle to deliver help to families who are struggling with such terrible conditions.