For the first time, Durie Hill Memorial Tower is awash with pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Whanganui District Council has announced.
Around the world, landmarks and prominent buildings turn pink for the Global Illuminations campaign to raise awareness and honour those touched by breast cancer.
In New Zealand, the month culminates with the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on 29 and 30 October, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s major fundraising event. Money raised from the appeal will go towards cutting-edge research, education programmes and support for Kiwis affected by breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Kiwi women, with around 45 women diagnosed in the Whanganui District Health Board area every year.
“We’re very grateful to have the support of Durie Hill Memorial Tower this October. By turning pink, they are helping to spread the life-saving message about the importance of early detection,” said Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive, Ah-Leen Rayner.
“More than 3,300 Kiwi women are told every year that they have breast cancer. The good news is the earlier it’s caught, the better the outcome. But we’re worried about every woman who has missed their mammogram during the Covid-19 lockdowns this and last year, when breast screening was put on hold. We’re urging anyone who had an appointment cancelled to get rebooked as soon as possible. And if you’ve felt a lump or noticed any other changes, please see your GP straight away.”
“Kiwis can also do their bit to help us towards our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer by donating to our street appeal later this month, or online at pinkribbonappeal.co.nz. Without the generosity of New Zealanders, we wouldn’t be able to carry out our vital work.”
The pink illumination will take place at Durie Hill Memorial Tower from 1-8 October. The Royal Whanganui Opera House will also be illuminated pink to mark the month.
More than 30 landmarks across Aotearoa New Zealand are also participating in the campaign, including the Majestic Centre in Wellington, the Christchurch Airport Terminal and Airways Tower and Dunedin’s Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.
