This year, during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Shake It Up invited the Australian community to take part in Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s, a fundraising initiative that encouraged people to host their own pancakes themed fundraising event.

One of our inspiring supporters, Archie, was a Pancakes for Parkinson’s trailblazer, first hosting a pancakes fundraiser at his school in 2023, before following it up again in 2024 and raising awareness with media in the process. In total these events raised over $700 for Parkinson’s research, with Archie raising more than $1,300 in total for the Foundation over the past year.

We spoke with Archie all about his fundraising endeavours and what motivated him to make a difference.

Tell us all about your Pancakes for Parkinson’s fundraising! How did the idea first come about and what was involved in planning the event?

Being a teenager, the idea of hosting a Pancakes for Parkinson’s event at school seemed like an effective way to get fellow students keen to support my fundraising efforts.

The first Pancakes for Parkinson’s fundraiser was held in 2023.  It was pretty intense. All 120 pancakes (with toppings) were sold, served and eaten in just 20 minutes!! This contributed almost $300 to my fundraising that year, where my total reached $939.

There is actually quite a lot involved in planning the food based fundraising events at school because the calendar is so full and there are a lot of details that need to be covered – with multiple staff and moving parts involved! But signing up online to fundraise for Shake It Up is super easy and their team are available to help or answer any questions along the way.

What have been some of the highlights in your fundraising for Shake It Up?

The highlight was presenting alongside my uncle Marty for the school mentor group to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease.  He is the bravest person I know and I am always really proud to stand alongside him.  Having my school friends help out by serving pancakes on the day was another highlight for me.

Why did you choose to fundraise for Shake It Up Australia?

I chose to fundraise for Shake It Up Australia because my uncle Marty is living with Parkinson’s disease. He was fit, healthy, running a large business, had only just became a new Dad, and turned 41 when he received the shock diagnosis. Now, 11 years on, he has undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, takes frequent medication, and works really hard to manage his symptoms. He works out regularly to maintain his strength, balance, and health to minimise the impacts of Parkinson’s on his day to day life.  I chose Shake It Up because 100% of all funds raised go towards supporting Australian Parkinson’s research to slow, stop and cure the disease.

What is your advice for others like you who want to do something to make a difference?

My advice for others who want to do something to make a difference is just get started.  It’s really not hard, and any challenges you might encounter along the way are absolutely trivial in comparison to the challenges faced every day by people living with Parkinson’s disease! You will also become a much better human for supporting others and participating in something meaningful and positive like this.

For kids embarking on fundraising, reach out to adults for support to achieve your fundraising event goals.  My school teachers and Mum have been awesome in helping me meet the event planning details for both Pancakes for Parkinson’s events.  Isobel and the Shake It Up team are also there for help if you need.

You can support Archie’s fundraising journey here.

It’s not to late to make a difference this April for Parkinson’s Awareness Month by participating in fundraising and hosting a #Pancakes4Parkinsons event!