Whanganui cafe owner refuses to become part of a dying block

Victoria's T42 owners Victoria Handley and Ashvin Patel with the ready made winning raffle packs. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Refusing to see her part of town become a "dying block", a Victoria Ave cafe owner has rounded up nearby retailers for breast cancer awareness month.

Victoria's T42 cafe, in the block between Ingestre and Guyton Sts, was opened seven years ago by owner Victoria Handley.

But Ms Handley said now there's nothing happening at her end of town, so she wanted to do something that focused on livening up the block.

She knocked on the doors of other retailers on the block, asking for donations towards a raffle basket to fundraise for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

"The basket is now packed with goodies. There are lots of amazing prizes, including bits from Blank Kanvas, gift vouchers from beauty salons Studio 31 and Spoilt.

"My mum is an artist and has hand-painted ceramics, which are really beautiful. We have ended up with over $500 worth of prizes," Ms Handley said.

On Saturday the cafe hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast that ran until 2pm.

"It was a big day, nice and steady the whole day. With all the fundraising, we have raised $1541.27, which is incredible.

"We were aiming for around $500, so for a little shop we are very happy with the progress."

Ms Handley said the cafe's Facebook page had also helped raise awareness and gather donations from out of town.

Raffle tickets are being sold for $5 and the winners will be announced on Wednesday.

Ms Handley said after the success of this year she will definitely try to make it an annual fundraiser.