The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) is challenging New Zealanders to take action against breast cancer this October and help raise funds for awareness and education programmes, for potentially life-saving research, and to support women with breast cancer.
Taking action can be as active or as leisurely as people choose, with several fundraising events offering a chance to get involved:
• Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, Friday October 11 and Saturday October 12 - spend an hour or two as a Pink Army volunteer, collecting for the street appeal in your area, or give a gold coin donation to a collector near you. Phone 0508 105 105 to volunteer.
• Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride, Sunday October 13 - the Women's International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) will hold its 10th Pink Ribbon ride in Auckland. Ride a bike, hop a bus, or watch the action from the roadside.
• Pink for a Day - a chance for workplaces across New Zealand to go pink for a day and raise funds for breast cancer research
• Community fundraising events throughout October
• In-store donations - throughout October, NZBCF Pink Ribbon donation boxes will be on counters at ASB branches, Estee Lauder counters and at Postie Plus, Coffee Culture, Plumbing World and OPSM stores, among others.
• Paddle for Hope, Saturday November 2 - a stand up paddleboard regatta, aiming to raise $100,000 to research and develop a stand up paddle post-mastectomy rehabilitation programme.
• Auckland Marathon, Sunday November 3 - sign up to the run the marathon or half-marathon and donate your sponsorship funds to the NZBCF
Around 2800 women (and around 20 men) will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Funds raised this October will be used to educate the public and the medical profession about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, beyond the well-known "lump", and about the importance of early detection by mammogram. The NZBCF is committed to funding potentially life-saving research right here in New Zealand, and will continue to support women with breast cancer through its new 0800 BC NURSE advice line, staffed by a breastcare nurse, and through funding assistance to services such as Sweet Louise, YWCA Encore and Pink Pilates.
To find about more about the signs and symptoms, visit the NZBCF's interactive e-guide. at
