Kicking off Pink October,
CAKES and coffee helped to kick off Pink October, the special Breast Cancer Awareness month aimed at spreading information and raising funds for the Help Those With Cancer Association (Tulips).
The first of a month of activities saw Lapta’s Olive Press Bar and Restaurant host a coffee morning last Friday, at which some 70 people enjoyed a range of home-made cakes with their “cuppa”. There was also a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses.
The event raised 2,460TL which was split between Tulips and UK-based MacMillan Cancer Support — and the venue’s support for the TRNC charity will be boosted by a Spot the Intro music quiz from 6.30pm on Monday, with entry costing 10TL per person. To book, call 0533 880 1196.
Organiser and venue owner Martin MonksAppleton said: “This was the third time we had held a coffee morning in aid of cancer charity, but the first for Tulips which is supported by a lot of locals and which offers help to them when needed.”
Pupils from two of the Girne American group of schools also embraced the cause last Friday, primary youngsters dressing up in pink and raising funds for Tulips by selling cakes and other treats they had made and brought in for the occasion, and college students gathering donations via a Tulips collection box.
The schools said the annual Pink October event was important in raising awareness of cancer among the children and their parents, as well as generating much-needed cash for the charity.
About 50 sixth formers and 50 teachers at Girne American Future College — who will hold their own Pink Day and fundraising fair on October 22, are also joining in the month’s 10,000-steps-a-day fundraising Step-A-Thon challenge.
PE teacher Taygun Dervish said awards for the “most steps” and “most funds raised” would be given to participants in the school’s first such activity on their Pink Day, with the collected sponsorship cash being handed over later.