Pink Up Namoi campaign is back

Following a triumphant fundraising campaign for the McGrath Foundation in 2021, Pink Up Namoi is back again to paint the Narrabri Shire pink.

The Pink Night, an evening under the stars, is the signature event of this year’s campaign and is being organised in a joint effort between local Pink Up organisers, the Narrabri Industrial Network and the Rotaract Club of Narrabri.

The return of Pink Up Namoi follows its hugely successful inaugural fundraiser last year, with more than $100,000 being raised across the shire.

The first campaign was such a success that it was the McGrath Foundation’s highest Pink Up Your Town fundraiser in Australia for 2021.

McGrath Foundation ambassador and director Tracy Bevan will be a special guest at the Pink Night.

The evening is being held on Saturday, October 22 at 6pm, at The Exchange, Narrabri.

Canapes, live music, an auction as well as a beverage package are on offer to Pink Night-goers.

Mrs Bevan described the fundraising success of last year’s campaign as phenomenal when addressing a meeting of the Rotary Club of Narrabri.

She was virtually presented with a cheque for $106,000 by Pink Up organiser Karen Kirkby and then Rotary president Darrell Tiemens.

“We really do appreciate every dollar. You have done incredibly well,” Mrs Bevan said.

The local campaign stemmed from Dr Kirkby’s experience battling breast cancer.

Dr Kirkby has been determined to do her utmost to support the foundation in its fundraising for the awareness and prevention of breast cancer and the training and placement of specialist breast cancer nurses in every Australian community.

“I have said the doctors, surgeons and oncologists saved my life, but the breast care nurses saved my sanity,” Dr Kirkby said.

Throughout the last campaign, Dr Kirkby said she had been blown away by the continued support of the towns throughout the shire.

“I had my sights set on $25,000. I could never imagine that Pink Up Namoi would raise what it did,” she said.

“That amount was thanks to the support of our fantastic communities as well as the volunteers who helped me every step of the way.”

This year, Pink Up organisers are encouraging individuals, groups and businesses to fundraise for the campaign.

“This year, Pink Up Namoi will be run a little differently. This year, we want you all to take it into your own hands to “Pink Up Namoi”. The scale is up to you, so go big or small; just make sure it is pink,” Dr Kirkby said.

“No need to register, Namoi is already registered to fundraise for the McGrath Foundation. Let your community know what you plan to do if you want to hold an event or donate a percentage of sales.

“Remember that a show of pink support by decorating your shop front or house is a great way to get involved too.

“The banking is simple. Please bank your funds directly to the following link if you are able to use a credit card. Fundraising page link: https://www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/namoi/pink-up-your-town

“If you are unable to use the link, please transfer the funds to the following bank account with the reference number PUYT00017594. It is very important you use that reference number or the funds will not be allocated to Pink Up Namoi’s total.

Bank: Commonwealth Bank; name: McGrath Foundation Ltd; BSB: 062 000; account number: 1389 1910.

“And finally, if you are using cash only, please save it all until the end of the month and go to the bank with the above details and they will deposit it directly to McGrath Foundation,” Dr Kirkby said.

A letter of authority to fundraise can be obtained from Dr Kirkby by contacting her on 0428 944 500.

“If you have any questions, please reach out to Bella Armstrong (McGrath Foundation senior community fundraising officer) on 02 8962 6114 or directly at [email protected],” Dr Kirkby said.