REINSW is urging members to support the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Up Your Town initiative to help raise money to place specialist breast care nurses wherever they’re needed.

When Hugh Bateman “pinked up Mudgee” last October, little did he know the chain reaction it would set off. So positive was the response, the McGrath Foundation is now rolling out the initiative across the country this October during breast cancer awareness month.

“REINSW is joining in and urging members to turn their town pink,” Hugh said. “Our aim is to create a powerful display of togetherness and support for families experiencing breast cancer.

“I’d urge every REINSW member to embrace the Pink Up Your Town initiative and support the McGrath Foundation.

“Everyone knows someone affected by breast cancer. This is a way for REINSW members to come together and raise money for the McGrath Foundation, which has such a positive impact on both individuals and families.”

The McGrath Foundation has helped more than 54,000 families since 2005. Today, they have 117 breast care nurses working with families at a cost of $12 million per year. But more needs to be done. The McGrath Foundation estimates it needs 229 nurses to provide every family affected by breast cancer with access to specialist support.

Tracy Bevan, Ambassador and Founder of the McGrath Foundation, said Pink Up Your Town is about shining a pink spotlight in the local community to show support for those experiencing the impact of breast cancer.

“There are many communities that don’t have access to a breast care nurse,” Tracy said. “Forty-nine women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day and 144 men each year.

“We want to help and support everyone affected, and Pink Up Your Town is a way to get nurses to those communities that don’t have access.”

McGrath Breast Care Nurses help individuals and their families experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment. The service is free and you can self-refer.

How to paint your town pink

	1. Start a committee You can champion Pink Up Your Town by forming a committee to oversee the activation of the initiative in your local area. Reach out to key influencers like the local council, chamber of commerce, regional tourism office, key community groups, and other movers and shakers.

	2. Spread the word Start approaching local businesses and organisations, as well as media outlets, to encourage participation. You can do this through face-to-face meetings, email communications, social media and promotions in the local newspaper. You might also like to run a local competition for the ‘best pink business in town’.

	3. Start planning Stay on track by having a plan, for example: • July 2017: Form your local committee • July-August 2017: Finalise key events • August-September 2017: Start promoting • 1 October 2017: Launch event • 31 October 2017: Wrap event

Each committee will have access to downloadable online resources and the option to outfit their town with pink merchandise by purchasing a Pink Up Your Town Kit (including balloons, donation boxes, posters and more). You’ll also have access to a McGrath Foundation fundraising coach, who will be on hand to help you every step of the way.

You can register your interest in forming a local Pink Up Your Town Committee, by contacting Morgan Nowicki (McGrath Foundation’s Community Fundraiser) on calling (02) 8962 6117, emailing [email protected].

To find out more, visit pinkupyourtown.com.au.