Pink Ribbon fundraisers huge success

For Angela Thompson and Marie Riddle being cancer survivors themselves was the catalyst for them coming to the decision to host Pink Ribbon fundraisers in Te Aroha.

Having not only been through a serious cancer scare herself, when she was diagnosed with melanoma, but watching her dear sister succumb to the dreaded illness, Marie didn’t have to be asked twice.

On Wednesday May 17 and Wednesday May 24, a total of four Pink Ribbon breakfast and evening meal fundraisers were held, at Marie’s Kitchen at the Te Aroha RSA.

Both menus were designed by Marie and her staff so that people arrived with empty tummies and left stuffed to the brim.

Angela Thompson said the response to the Pink Ribbon fundraisers from Te Aroha residents absolutely blew her and Marie away.

Their total to date is $1070, with a few more donations to call in, blowing their original target of $500 out of the water.

‘‘We are really grateful to those who came along and showed their support,’’ she said.

Marie said it was support from those who turned out at the fundraisers that made the events the success they were.

‘‘Thank you one and all for the support for the Pink Ribbon fundraisers. Let's all make it a big one next year. ’’

‘‘Thank you one and all for the support for the Pink Ribbon fundraisers,’’ she said.

Marie is looking forward to doing it all again next year.

‘‘Let’s all make it a big one next year. Together we can make a difference.’’

There is still Pink Ribbon merchandise for sale which can be purchased by contacting Angela directly through Neighbourly, and all funds raised will be passed on to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF).

About $1.7 million was raised from last year’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast fundraisers throughout New Zealand.

This year money will fund research projects and medical grants to help improve the survivorship of breast cancer in New Zealand as well as being used to support people with breast can- cer.

‘‘It doesn’t matter what cancer it is, awareness needs to be raised. They need funding to do research to keep striving to find a cure.’’

Meanwhile, Angela and her husband Bill are on to planning their next fundraising mission after been deeply moved by baby Isabella Dowd and her family’s story.

Watch this space for updates.