Springtime means school calf club days
Enthusiasm still there though entries down — secretary People urged to get behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Spring means it’s time school agricultural days. Individual school calf club days are to be held later in the month, with group day on October 27. “Entries may be a little down to previous years, but the enthusiasm is still there for those who are interested,” says Te Puke Boys and Girls Agricultural Club secretary Marie Peterson.
She says the support of principals and teachers in the Te Puke area has been tremendous.
This year’s theme is participation.
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Breast Cancer Foundation NZ (BCFNZ) is inviting people in the Bay of Plenty to get amongst the many initiatives taking place this month to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
From pink socks on the rugby fields to the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, pink lights to the Pink Ribbon Walk Challenge — October is the time to show support and fundraise for the more than 3500 Kiwi women diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and also to make sure women are being vigilant about breast health.
BCFNZ’S chief executive Ah-leen
“At the annual general meeting it was the committee’s intention to emphasise to all that participation was the most important part of the event,” she says.
“Getting to know your animal whether it be a calf, lamb or goat, is of foremost importance. Being able to communicate well to judges shows that dedication and the perseverance to train your animal.”
School calf club days will be between October 18 and 21, with the first three placegetters at each progressing to group day at the A&P Showgrounds at Paengaroa.
Group days have also traditionally offered an opportunity to talk about previous calf club days, and the committee wants to emphasise that 2023 will mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of Te Puke Boys & Girls Agricultural Club.
Rayner says: “Breast cancer is most treatable when it’s caught early — it’s vital for us to keep spreading this lifesaving message when we’ve all been so distracted by Covid-19 these past few years. We’re urging women to make sure they’re up to date with their mammograms, and to see a doctor quickly if they notice any symptoms.
“This October we’re also asking New Zealanders to contribute to our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer. As a charity that receives no Government funding, the generosity of Kiwis donating to our cause will
“Of course the focus is on this year’s event, but a working committee is underway in tracking information from the past,” says Marie. “It is intended that 2023 will be a very special event for the club and if anyone has any information or old photos, could they please contact their local school so it can be collated.”
Marie says the committee is thankful for the generous donations and support that local businesses have donated.
At the AGM held recently, Sarah Murray was elected as president, with Rochelle Owens the sponsorship coordinator.
■ Calf club days: October 18, Paengaroa School; October 19, Te Ranga and Rangiuru schools; October 20, O¯tamara¯kau; October 21, Pongakawa. make a huge difference to further our work in research, education, advocacy and patient support.”
There lots of different ways people can get behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
■ Volunteer for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal — join 10,000 volunteers taking to the streets on October 28 and 29 to shake a pink bucket for two hours.
■ See Tauranga’s Wharf Street lit up in pink for the first time as it joins other landmarks and buildings across Aotearoa New Zealand helping to shine a light on breast cancer. The pink illumination is on until October 23.
■ Take on the Pink Ribbon Walk Challenge. Also for the first time this year, people in the Bay of Plenty can walk in their own neighbourhoods for the ones they love. Over the month of October, walk 350,000 steps for the 3500 women diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
■ Go Pink For A Day — a campaign for workplaces to raise funds and start conversations about breast health and wellbeing. The first 500 organisations to sign up will receive a free Pink For A Day pack to help make fundraising a breeze.
Find out more about all the different ways to get involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month at breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/ bcam.
Each year around 190 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the Bay of Plenty region. BCFNZ recommends considering annual mammograms from 40-49, then every two years from 50
Street collections will take place at Te Puke Countdown, New World Te Puke, Mitre 10 Pa¯pa¯moa and Pa¯pa¯moa Plaza.