Mayor out shaking a bucket for Pink Ribbon appeal

Mayor Rehette Stoltz will be among the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Pink Ribbon Appeal collectors this weekend.

Collectors will be shaking pink buckets around Gisborne on Friday and Saturday with the mayor appearing at the Farmers Market on Saturday between 9.30am and 11am.

“Every New Zealander has someone who they love and care for who is affected by breast cancer,' said Mrs Stoltz.

“Let's rally together and raise precious funds to support our mums, aunties, sisters, cousins and friends as they bravely take on this tough challenge.”

Gisborne Pink Ribbon Appeal collectors will be joining 10,000 volunteers across Aotearoa New Zealand raising vital funds to support women going through breast cancer, search for ground-breaking scientific discoveries and spread the message about the importance of early detection and going for regular mammograms.

People can also support the appeal online at www.bcf.org.nz/streetappeal20 or by texting PINK to 4499 to make a $3 donation.

Each year, around 40 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the Tairawhiti District Health Board area, and sadly every year around seven women will die of breast cancer here.

“It's been a tough year for everyone and we know Covid-19 has made life harder for people affected by breast cancer,” said Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Evangelia Henderson.

“We never imagined we'd be launching this year's appeal in the middle of a global pandemic, but we hope the people of Gisborne will show some love this October by donating generously.

“The money raised will fund our vital work in education, research, and patient support.

“We've been blown away by the community spirit New Zealanders have shown this year. It's their kindness that will take us one step closer to making zero deaths from breast cancer a reality.”