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Corporate Hero – Rebel Media

Thursday, 26th September 2013

This weeks’ ‘Shake It Up Corporate Hero’ is QLD radio company Rebel Media. This close knit team was keen to support their morning DJ, Bruce, who recently went public with having Parkinson’s Disease. Cheryl Jowitt, General Manager of Rebel Media, looks into why they chose to support Shake It Up:

What Drives Your Commitment to find a cure for Parkinson’s?

Our Breeze FM Breakfast Show Host was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease several years ago and everyone here at the radio station has been touched by his journey. Bruce, only recently, decided to make public his plight to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease and with his blessing, we decided that, as a company, we needed to do more. Radio is an amazing media. We’re invited into peoples homes and lives daily and if we in some small way can make a difference, I believe that it is our responsibility to try. The only way we can really help Bruce and other Parkinson’s sufferers are to raise awareness of the disease and hopefully raise funds for research into finding a cure.

Why Shake It Up Australia?

The Breeze is a family owned Queensland company, so it became personal when one of our team was confronted with the diagnosis. We felt we had to “do something” positive to support Bruce.

Tell us what you are doing to Shake Things Up?

We’re setting aside airtime valued at over $100 000 across our network over the next 12 months to promote the work of the Shake it Up Australia. That airtime will be used to create awareness and hopefully increase donations from across Queensland.

We’re also actively promoting Shake it Up fundraisers and running a few of our own.

Greatest Challenge?

Our challenge is to get Bruce back on air (he has recently been hospitalised for medical evaluation) and make sure that he continues to be a part of our team for as long as he can be.

Greatest Reward?

The positivity of our team, and their willingness to help out and get involved.

Best advice for people/organisations looking to get involved?

The decision to support Shake it up Australia has helped us to strengthen us as a team. We are committed to sharing Bruce’s journey and allows us to utilise the power of radio in a positive way. I think the media in Australia has a responsibility to use its power to positively promote organisations like Shake it Up Australia to grow awareness within our community.