October 3 2013

Two fun events to raise Pink Ribbon awareness

Two special local events are on the calendar for those who want to support this year’s Pink Ribbon Day Street Appeal in Queenstown and Arrowtown.

Arrowtown’s Dorothy Browns Cinema is getting behind the cause with a fun-filled special singalong screening of the 1978 classic film Grease on Friday October 11.

The pink party event – starting at 8pm -- is promising to be a great girls’ night out with tickets at $25 including a glass of pink bubbles and canapés.

Cinema manager Samantha Ralph said they were “delighted” to host the special fundraiser.

“This is the perfect opportunity to dress up and have fun with friends, at the same time supporting the Pink Ribbon charity,” she said. “We want to see everyone up and dancing throughout!”

Earlier in the day the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce is putting on a Pink Ribbon Ladies Morning Tea at Novotel Queenstown. Two very special guests include former C4 TV presenter and breast cancer sufferer Helena McAlpine and local businesswoman Diana Mcllwrick, who has her own breast cancer story.

Helena and Diana will talk about their experiences and help spread the word about early detection and treatment options.

Last year Helena, mother of a 10-year-old daughter, was told that the breast cancer she had been fighting had returned, and that her situation was terminal.

Chamber tickets are $10pp which includes pink treats from Cup & Cake and Novotel with all proceeds going to the Pink Ribbon Day Street Appeal.

Two tickets for the special showing of Grease can be won at the morning tea along with other spot prizes donated by local businesses.

Helena and her family are being flown to Queenstown with the help of Arrow Events and The Flight Centre. All accommodation has been donated by The Glebe and activities by Skyline Gondola and Luge and Shotover Jet.

Helitours and Sheena Haywood Photography will work together to capture some very special family shots of their time in Queenstown and Southern PR is promoting the pink ribbon fundraising events.

Pink Ribbon organiser Julie Hughes is still calling for street collecting volunteers on Friday 11 & Saturday October 12 in Arrowtown, Remarkables Park and Queenstown.

“I’m looking for businesses and individuals who’re prepared to give up two hours of their time; get dressed up in pink, have some fun with it, and hit the streets.”

To get involved email julie@arrowevents.co.nz or visit www.pinkribbonvolunteer.co.nz to register. Bookings for the Dorothy Browns screening are essential – call 03 442 1964.

To register for the Chamber morning tea go to http://www.queenstownchamber.org.nz/pink-ribbon-ladies-morning-tea-with-helena-mcalpine-diana-mcilwrick

Breast Cancer – New Zealand facts and figures

· Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in New Zealand.

· One in three cancers occurring in New Zealand women is breast cancer

· Approximately 2,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year – over seven a day

· Over 600 women die from breast cancer each year

· One in nine women in New Zealand will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime

· 75% of women who develop breast cancer are 50 years of age and over

· Maori women have a 66% higher mortality rate than non-Maori

· 1 in 10 men in New Zealand will lose a sister, mother, daughter or wife to breast cancer

· Close to 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for more than five years after their initial diagnosis

· While uncommon, men can get breast cancer too

· The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recommends annual mammograms for women aged 40-49, then every two years from age 50

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