YESTERDAY saw the official launch of Turning Canungra Pink with a business breakfast in DJ Smith Park.
Canungra businesses and community members traditionally decorate the town in pink for the month of October to raise awareness of cancer and funds for research and support.
Event co-ordinator Noela Lee said the launch breakfast was held as a mark of appreciation to local businesses who went above and beyond the call of duty to make Turning Canungra Pink special.
“It was a free breakfast for local businesses and the reason it was free is because these are the people who assist us, they are always putting their hands in their pockets to help out,” she said.
“These people are vital to the success of Turning Canungra Pink and the reason we were able to raise $50,000 last year. So this was a pre-thank you for this year, when we are hoping to raise that much again.”
Ms Lee said Turning Canungra Pink had made a real difference to Canungra residents.
“Half of the money raised will go to the Cancer Council and the other half will be retained and used to assist people in town who have cancer,” she said.
“The money is used to provide things like vouchers for cleaning services, pharmacy products and fuel vouchers.”
She said the community was supportive during Turning Canungra Pink.
“Our local businesses sometimes run their own fundraisers. For example the butchery last year held a competition where customers had to throw ping pong balls into a bra,” she said.
“We do get support from people outside of Canungra who are very generous in giving to the cause and we are hoping this year to get even more outside assistance.
“We are encouraging people to become involved, participate in our events and like our Facebook page. We do have some fantastic events planned in coming weeks.”
Ms Lee said there had been a couple of developments in planning this year’s Turning Canungra Pink .
“Businesses have always decorated their windows for this,” she said.
“But this year Aussie Lifestyle Properties have donated a $500 cash prize for the best business display.
“Another thing people might notice is the light poles. This year we were given permission to paint them pink for the duration of Turning Canungra Pink.”
The next event in the program will be Pink Bingo at 6pm Friday at Moriarty Park followed by an open garden weekend at Canungra Valley Tropicals in Wonglepong.
There will also be streets stalls and markets happening in DJ Smith Park on Saturday and a Pink Alpaca Picnic at O’Reilly’s vineyard on Sunday. Find out more at visitcanungra.com
