Hills Hoist hang out 70,000 socks for Pancreatic Cancer

Sunday, April 14, 2019

The Hills Hoist is one of Australia’s most recognisable icons and still a staple of many a backyard. First manufactured in Adelaide in 1945 the Hills Hoist celebrated its 70th birthday in 2015 and to mark the occasion they held a special event in Elder Park in Adelaide during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month, which would raise money for The Avner Foundation.

In one of the more creative fundraising events that has been linked to The Avner Foundation, Hills aimed to set a world record on their 70th birthday by hanging 70,000 socks on 70 clothes lines. The $2 pairs of socks were sold at participating Masters Home Improvement and Home Timber and Hardware stores across the country, which could then be hung on the special store washing line. For those in the Adelaide area, socks could be purchased and hung at The Big Hang Out event at Elder Park. All proceeds from the sale of socks, as well as drinks at the main event, were donated to the Foundation and post-event the 35,000 pairs of socks were donated to Salvation Army to help those in need. In addition, Avner’s also received a $2 donation on all Hills products purchased at Masters Home Improvement and other participating retailers.  

Hills raised $100,000 for the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation through this unique fundraiser, whilst also generating awareness of the disease and offering hope to the thousands of families affected each year. We were delighted to be chosen as the charity partner for this event and are incredibly grateful to the team at Hills and everyone who helped raise funds by purchasing socks and Hills products.