Bare skin reveals generosity

Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust chairwoman Sue Winters (left) receives a cheque for more than $10,000 that was raised by the Body Proud calendar project organised and photographed by Kelly Albrecht (right). Photo / Ben Fraser

Women bravely baring their skin have raised more than $10,000 for the Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust.

The Body Proud project involved 108 Rotorua women of all ages and occupations posing in their lingerie or topless for a calendar. Groups of nine were photographed for each page to represent the fact that one in nine women would be diagnosed with breast cancer, with at least one breast-cancer survivor in most of the groups.

Organiser and photographer Kelly Albrecht said she was overwhelmed by how successful the project had been, with a total of $10,442.45 raised. "Just from over 1000 calendars - we had a lot of anonymous donations as well."

She said businesses were quick to show their support and promoted the calendars by telling customers the funds would be helping women in Rotorua.

"It's actually been a shock to me, I wasn't expecting so many people and businesses to get behind this. What started with 12 photos has escalated because of the number of supporters."

The women who took part ranged in age from 18 to 70, and from size 6 to 26.

Some of the women who took part in the Body Proud calendar. Photo / Stephen Parker

"A lot of them found the whole thing inspirational, there were tears especially when they saw the women who had breast cancer surgery and chose to show their scars."

Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust chairwoman Sue Winters also described Mrs Albrecht as being inspirational.

"You think about the energy, idea and drive she has given to this. Also courageous, all the women. It takes huge courage to be photographed in their underwear. Generosity was also shown by all of the sponsors.

"Approximately 60 people in the Rotorua district were diagnosed annually with breast cancer. That's 60 new families coming on board," Mrs Winters said.

The money will go to continue supporting projects such as Pink Pilates to improve movement held at Te Ngae Physiotherapy and the Encore exercise and support programme at the Polynesian Spa.