A BURST of colour will be splashed around the streets of Penola this October to raise awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation.
A community committee is currently organising Pink Up Day celebrations in support of the breast cancer charity, with residents urged to come together for the cause, while also encouraging Limestone Coast residents to get regular screenings and check their breasts.
Breast cancer impacts one in eight Australian women, which is the highest cancer rate affecting women’s health across the nation.
Committee member Angela Winter said the aim was to decorate the town pink.
“Everybody that we have spoke to including the local business association have been very supportive,” Ms Winter said.
“Penola is a small unique town so we are hoping the pink will stand out.
“We will be holding events throughout the month, some of which we are still finalising.
“We will also be hosting a launch party at the beginning of the month and a colour run at the end.”
Ms Winter said breast cancer had touched most committee members in some form.
“We are aiming to generate conversations around breast cancer and help raise awareness and remind women to get checked regularly,” she said.
As well as month-long celebrations, the committee has been successful in securing the Breast Screen SA bus which will be stationed in the Penola Hospital car park.
“We are hoping that by having the screening bus right at the beginning of town that it will draw people’s attention to the month’s events,” Ms Winter said.
“It will also allow women from the town to go and have their breasts screened without the need for travel.”
All money raised during the month will go to the McGrath Foundation.
“The success rate of breast cancer treatment is phenomenal,” Ms Winter said.
“So it is really important to get the message out there.”
