MANY Myall Coast residents leapt at the opportunity to swap their work and school uniforms for denim in support of Jeans for Genes Day last Friday.

Every dollar raised during the annual fundraising campaign helps scientists at the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) develop treatments and cures for birth defects, genetic conditions and childhood cancer.

Bulahdelah Central School Student Representative Council encouraged students to wear their jeans and make a donation to the Institute.

Coordinator Ms Georgina Cunich said the school traditionally supports this worthy fundraising event.

“It’s an important cause as the donations go towards research to help all children live healthy lives,” she said.

“Anything that assists in finding ways to treat or prevent genetic diseases is well worth the effort.”

Ms Cunich said the day not only raised funds but was also an excellent way of promoting an awareness of the issue with the students.

According to CMRI, one out of every 20 children is born with a birth defect or genetic disease, which is on average one student in every classroom.

Some of CMRI achievements made possible through donations include increasing survival rates of premature babies and introducing vaccines that protect against a number of potentially fatal or disabling childhood diseases.