Flash Mob Seizes 65 Roses Day!

Hundreds of commuters, city workers, joggers and passers-by were treated to a very public surprise in Sydney’s Martin Place yesterday. The flash mob marked the launch of the 2011 65 Roses Day campaign, raising funds and awareness of Cystic Fibrosis (www.65rosesday.org.au).

Over 80 people registered to be part of the flash mob to support the launch of 65 Roses Day on Friday 27 May.  
In her red 65 Roses day t-shirt, a woman attempts to sell flowers, but sadly is ignored by the crowd dashing by, caught up in their own world.  Until… she breaks into dance and people stop and stare as she is joined by passers-by caught up in the spontaneous fun! 

The crowd joined in to form a chorus line dance as the synchronised flash mob seized the day for people who live with Cystic Fibrosis every day. 

One spectator hurrying off to work said it was the most entertainment she’s ever had on the way to work. “What a great surprise! I couldn’t help but stop and watch, it brought a huge smile to my face and is a great fun way for me to find out more about Cystic Fibrosis and 65 Roses Day” she said.

Cystic Fibrosis Australia CEO Terry Stewart said the flash mob was a fun way to launch the 65 Roses Day campaign, an annual awareness raising initiative which is also an opportunity to raise valuable funds.

“A fun event in a public place gave us the opportunity to entertain and make people smile, but more importantly, this was a way for us to personally tell people about CF.

“After a crowd gathered to watch the flash mob, we gave out hundreds of red roses which are the symbol of CF, and a card with the 65 Roses Day website and a mention of CF. This was a way for us to literally put information in the hands of people who can contribute to making a difference.

“This 65 Roses Day we’re aiming to raise as much money as possible, and involve as many people as possible” Mr Stewart said.

In the 1980’s, average life expectancy of a person with CF was 17.  Due to improved research and services, today it’s 37. But it’s still only 37.

This year’s 65 Roses Day campaign aims to raise awareness of people living with CF and how many of them seize the day in their own lives.

The video of the 65 Roses Day flash mob and inspiring stories from a few of the thousands of Australians living with CF can be seen on the 65 Roses Day website: www.65rosesday.org.au.

For more about inspirational people living with CF, to see our fundraisers and supporters, to find out how to make a donation or purchase merchandise go to www.65rosesday.org.au.

For further information, images, case studies or to arrange an interview with a CFA spokesperson, contact Pip Goldsmith: 0421 288 634, pip@pgpr.com.au or Dianne Johnston: 0408 243 611 dianne@pgpr.com.au.