Waiariki students 'get their pink on'

Waiariki Institute of Technology Students Association (WITSA) has been getting into all things pink this week to show its support for two major charity foundations.

The group held a pink ribbon breakfast on Tuesday at the Mokoia campus.

Pink pancakes and cupcakes were available for a gold coin with all proceeds going to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

WITSA president Virgil Iraia said he was pleased with the feedback he had received.

"It has been great. Students get an inexpensive, filling breakfast and it supports a fantastic cause."

The group is also celebrating Pink Shirt Day today, in conjunction with a national tertiary campaign - Thursday in Black - demanding a world without violence. Proceeds from a sausage sizzle are going to the Mental Health Foundation.

Tracey Harris, WITSA executive member, said the group was participating in Pink Shirt Day because it wanted its community to feel "safe, valued and respected regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or cultural background".

"The students are getting behind this with Whakatane campus students issuing a challenge to 'come get your pink on' with class photos of them all in pink."