The 2020 Frocktober campaign has proved to be one of the most successful yet, despite COVID-19 restrictions.
The campaign, which ran for the entirety of October, raised a total of $647,686, smashing its goal of $600,000.
This year due to restrictions, Frockers were encouraged to adapt to frocking up from home and take part in the ‘8-Hour Challenge’ on social media, where they would share their favourite memory of themselves in a frock and encourage their friends to do the same.
Over the course of the month, 7,180 posts were uploaded to Instagram featuring the hashtag #Frocktober2020
Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) ambassador The Hon Julie Bishop (pictured) made waves on Cottesloe Beach in a custom-made silk gown made by local Adelaide designer Jaimie Sortino, who crafted the idea with his cousin Jenna Crierie, who sadly passed away a day after she saw the final images shot by photographer Russell James.
OCRF CEO Lucinda Nolan said that the organisation was thrilled to see the community support the cause, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
"The support we have had this year despite the restrictions has been incredible, and it’s been so fantastic to see our community of Frockers raise awareness and funds and get involved on social media from their homes.
"We are also so grateful for the on-going support from our ambassadors and to Jaimie Sortino, who not only created a beautiful gown with Jenna, but also shared her story to the whole of Australia, and brought a greater awareness to why we need to continue to educate and raise funds for this disease," she said.
An estimated 14,000 Australian women will lose their lives over the next 10 years to ovarian cancer, with one Australian woman losing her life to the disease every eight hours.
A recent study has found that an early detection test would significantly increase the likelihood of detecting the disease in its early stages and ultimately save 8,000 of these women’s lives.
Frocktober has been empowering and encouraging women around Australia for 13 years to frock up in October to raise awareness and funds for the OCRF.