13 ways to get involved this October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is almost here and there's a lot on! We've put together a guide to help you make the most difference, this October.
1.Neon scavenger hunt
Monuments and icons are going pink all around New Zealand, and the world, to raise awareness for breast cancer. Find your nearest illumination then share a snap on social media. If you want to go the extra mile (literally), grab your mates and do a roadie. See how many pink monuments you can snap along the way!
2.Bid for a cure
Jump on TradeMe on October 16th and chance your hand at winning one of four gorgeous bespoke Sealy beds. Each is topped with a print designed by New Zealand celebrities. Not only will you be helping to save lives, you’ll also be supporting local talent, and you’ll be assured a cosy night’s sleep!
3. Party under the stars
Dig out your pinkest outfit and walk for all those affected by breast cancer in our Pink Star Walk. Distances range from 5 to 21km and there are three opportunities to take part! Auckland’s up first on the 7th of October, followed by Christchurch on the 28th, and then if your October calendar is already overflowing, consider Wellington on November 11th. A tonne of family fun for all!
4. Share your story
Whether you’re currently having treatment for breast cancer, or if you’ve had it in the past, it can help to share your story. It can be a journal excerpt, a summary of your whole experience, or how you felt at one particular moment; adding your words to our Personal Stories page will help to inform and inspire others. Reach out now.
5. Become a philanthropist
We aren’t suggesting you go back to school! A philanthropist is a humanitarian; they care about the welfare of others and donate money to good causes. Why not give generously to our Pink Ribbon Street Appeal collectors? They’ll be dotted around the streets on October 13th and 14th in the official volunteer sash, shaking pink buckets. No cash? No worries! Text PINK to 4499 to make a $3 donation, donate online or give two hours to the cause and join us on the streets.
6. Have a play with some Number 8 Wire
Kiwis are known for their ingenuity – put it to the test and challenge yourself to come up with your own unique breast cancer fundraising event or if you’ve done this already, let us know about it! Toot your trumpet! We want to celebrate you.
Up-and-coming mixologist, Darren Miley, has created a limited edition range of mocktails to spread awareness for breast cancer. Toast to a future where no one dies of breast cancer, and sip on Ginger Is The New Black, a Coco-Berry Cooler or a Berry Appeeling Tea, or all of the above! Try one (or all three!) at Mea Culpa throughout October, or stay tuned for the recipe release so you can make your own!
8. Connect with a like-minded community
If you’re going through breast cancer, or if you’re supporting someone who is, it’s important that you have the option of talking to people who have had similar experiences. You might like to join our free online community, mybc. It’s a safe place where you can chat with people who truly understand what you’re going through; where you can share knowledge and celebrate milestones together and ask our qualified breast nurse for advice.
Every year over 500 organisations turn their workplace pink to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Is your business one of them? Register now and prove your work cares. Better yet, challenge your boss to ‘make a boob’ of her or himself when your fundraising target is reached!
10. Add a splash of VA VA VOOM
October marks the one year anniversary of our interactive webinar programme. We’re celebrating in style by tackling the juiciest topic yet… sex after breast cancer. Beam into this free event, and hear sex therapist, Edit Horvath and Dr Stella Milsom, along with patient, Rose Wharepapa, discuss how to reignite the flame after breast cancer. Register now.
If the only thing you learn this October is how to take care of your breast health, then we’ll have achieved what we set out to achieve. Get breast aware – learn how to check yourself and do so monthly. Need a reminder? Grab yourself one of our Boobeads and attach it to your keys. And if you’re aged 45 or above, book a mammogram.
12. Go on a spree
Use your purchase power, for good. Thanks to a host of wonderful corporate partners, there’s a number of ways you can use your spending to show that you care. For every Pink Product you buy, a portion of the sales will go making zero deaths from breast cancer a reality. Visit the catalogue.
We’re serious. Prove your commitment to the cause and join our Pink Ribbon Trek team. You’ll get to see the Great Wall of China, decipher the ancient stories and poems etched into its watchtowers and explore like never before! Best of all, with each step you take, with every kilometre you cover, you’ll be supporting New Zealanders affected by breast cancer.