On Friday 16 August at The Station in Newcastle, the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation launched a fundraising initiative aimed at encouraging workplace-giving by hosting a BBQ at the workplace.
The Pink Army volunteers of the Foundation cooked up a delicious BBQ for approximately forty people, including Steph De Sousa, the Hunter’s own much-loved MasterChef contestant.
Together with Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation’s (HBCF) principle sponsor, peoplefusion, the Foundation are asking businesses in the Hunter region to support boobs, or rather to support the HBCF’s endeavour to raise much needed funds to support those who are living with breast cancer.
Each year, approximately six hundred people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the Hunter region.
The Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation exists to ensure those living with breast cancer can do so as comfortably as possible throughout the entire cancer trajectory from diagnosis onwards.
The idea behind BBQ for Boobs is to encourage local businesses to host a BBQ for their staff and colleagues.
Staff are then encouraged to donate what they would normally spend on lunch that to the HBCF.
For all participating businesses, HBCF will provide a Super Booby BBQ Kit. The kit has all the BBQ essentials such as a pink apron, a chef’s hat, pink balloons, pink serviettes, a tea towel and a fundraising tin. All businesses need to supply is the BBQ, snags, sauce and bread.
There is even an opportunity to win a new BBQ for the workplace, when pics of the BBQ are shared on social media.
Lisa Bartley, President of the HBCF said that fundraisers, such as these, are a fundamental part of what they do and a great way to give back.
“Community-led fundraisers are the life blood of the HBCF. The Foundation aims to build community around the support of those with breast cancer,” Lisa said.
“It is about Hunter people helping Hunter people. Our approach to supporting people with breast cancer is a very personal community-oriented approach. And what is more community-oriented than a shared BBQ? We are aiming for a very fun approach to a very serious disease.”
In 2019, the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation is proudly partnering with peoplefusion to spread the word through workplaces more widely
Ali Kimmorley, Director of peoplefusion, said that when HBCF approached them there was no hesitation in getting on-board.
“When HBCF approached us to sponsor this campaign, for us it was the right decision to jump on board and support the initiative,” Ali said.
“peoplefusion donates ten per cent of annual profits to local charity, and the BBQ for Boobs is a great way for other local businesses to show their support to such a valuable charity whilst at the same time creating meaningful social activity that adds to the workplace culture.”
Local businesses are encouraged to also be involved and register their workplace. Registration can be done through the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation website.
IMAGE | HBCF encourages local businesses to host their own BBQ for Boobs.