Get involved - businesses and residents urged to join Bassetlaw's Turn It Pink campaign
Turn It Pink Bassetlaw was launched as an official campaign this week, with a celebratory reception at Aurora Wellbeing in Worksop.
Bassetlaw is being invited to Turn It Pink in every way possible this October, in support of Aurora Wellbeing Centres during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative launch brought the community together, in the hope of reaching many more people as it raises awareness of breast cancer in women and men, while building vital funds to help local people through Aurora Wellbeing.
Representatives of businesses and local councillors linked up with members of the community to launch of the campaign, that is set to turn Bassetlaw pink during October this year.
People are urged to donate bras in special bra-bins that will be available at Aurora Wellbeing and other points across Retford and Worksop.
The campaign will see local organisations turn windows, workplaces and community spaces pink, host fundraising activities and share breast awareness messages.
Activities will include a business pledge, pink window displays, community fundraising, creative workshops, community art installations and a Best Pink Window Competition.
Every pound raised will stay local, helping Aurora continue to provide free support for people affected by cancer, as well as their families and carers.
Lou Gladwin, fundraising manager at Aurora, addressed this week's gathering, and said: “Turn It Pink is about bringing businesses, community organisations, volunteers and local supporters together behind one shared cause: helping ensure nobody in Bassetlaw faces cancer alone.
"We have the chance to create something that belongs to us, where every business, volunteer and resident becomes part of something bigger than themselves."
Charlotte Lister, of Retford, also spoke at the launch. She said: “I just can’t wait to turn Bassetlaw pink after working on the Bawtry campaign for two years. It’s lovely to bring the concept to where I live.”
Businesses can become official Turn It Pink supporters with a suggested £10 donation to Aurora Wellbeing Centres.
Supporters will receive a window sticker, certificate, social media graphics, campaign materials, recognition and entry into the Best Pink Window Competition if they decorate their window.
They can dress in pink, hold a cake sale, run a raffle, host a coffee morning, donate a percentage of sales, organise a staff challenge or share awareness messages online.
Bra donation bins will be available across Bassetlaw, and will be transformed into community art installations to raise awareness and encourage local participation. Campaign timeline
Registrations will take place during August and September, with Turn It Pink Month in October, followed by evaluation in November.
Lou Gladwin added: “Join us. Become a Turn It Pink supporter, display your sticker, decorate your window, host an event and help us fill our towns with hope.”
“Together, we can support families, strengthen our communities and remind everyone that no one faces cancer alone. Let’s Turn Bassetlaw Pink.”