New merch for meningococcal awareness

AUTUMN is here, so why not purchase a stylish beanie while also donating money to a deserving charity?

All proceeds from these double thick woollen, one-size-fits-all beanies go to the 4EK Foundation, who then use the funds to raise awareness and support for meningococcal disease.

The charity also donates profits to families affected by the illness, whether it’s to help someone recover from surgery, or to offer the family a holiday after traumatic events.

4EK Foundation president Lucy Loader said the core message of 4EK is to shine a light on meningococcal.

“We aim to raise awareness for all five strands of the disease, the signs and symptoms of these strands and also the vaccinations that are available,” she said.

4EK was born out of the loss of Emma-Kate McGrath, who passed away after contracting meningococcal at the age of 19 in 2017.

Emma’s mother and vice-president of the Foundation Abby McGrath said it’s important to be aware of the disease due to its sudden lethality.

“It only took fifteen hours, Emma told me that she didn’t feel well and then fifteen hours later she was gone,” she said.

Now a registered charity, donations and purchases from 4EK attracts deductible gift recipient status with the Australian Taxation Office.

Beanies cost $35 each, with the online store offering men’s and women’s T-shirts, scrunchies and trucker caps.

For more information, visit facebook.com/4EKMeningococcalawareness or to browse the online store, visit 4ek.org.au.