Aussie singer Amy Shark thinks Australia is breeding a new generation of socially-conscious youngsters who embrace the chance to help out others who are doing it tough... even in their sleep.
The Everybody Rise singer has called on her following of "Sharks" to embrace a campaign to help fund accommodation for young cancer patients forced to travel for treatment by buying a special pair of PJs.
One in three of the 1200 a year young Australians diagnosed with cancer will have to travel to urban centres for their treatment.
Designed by Shark, Slash and the Foo Fighters, all proceeds from the the "Sleep Exchange" pyjama sets will go to covering the cost of apartments for these patients, to enable regional and rural families to stay together for the duration of the hospital visits.
"I know the second everyone hears about the 'You Can Stay' program my PJ's will fly out the door, lol," Shark told AAP.
"I am so excited about our younger generation, they're super brave, courageous, smart and have so much empathy towards people in need.
"That's the key to being a good human I think."
GOOD MORNING ☀️ You can now go buy these pajamas from any cotton on store and online! 100% of the proceeds go to the ‘You Can Stay’ program which funds nights of accommodation for regional youth cancer patients. GO BUY THEM NOW!🦈 😴 x https://t.co/15e2xI3FNA pic.twitter.com/iP80Em7NYy
— Amy Shark (@amyshark) March 16, 2022
Shark was keen to participate in the Sony Foundation campaign because of her own experience of losing a young friend to cancer.
"When I was younger, a friend of mine passed away from cancer and I just remember how unfair it was that someone with so much of life still ahead of them was taken too soon," she said.
"I've heard stories from some of the young people who have to travel from far away to access their cancer treatment, but one story in particular really touched me because the young girl said she would listen to my song "C'mon" on repeat and it really got her through.
"I guess I wrote these songs to get me through tough times so it's nice to hear they are helping others.
"I've always believed in the ability of music to get you through tough times, and now I hope these PJs can do the same."
The PJs were launched at an event in Sydney's Woolloomooloo on Thursday that raised over $1 million for the foundation.
Since launching in July 2020, the You Can Stay program has supported over 120 patients and families with over 8750 nights of accommodation.
© AAP 2022
