Melbourne based Waratah Group is donating $60,000 worth of print and labour to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) for its fifth running Field of Women event, to take place prior to the Round 21 match between Melbourne and the Sydney Swans.
The event which takes place August 12, will see thousands of participants stand in the formation of BCNA’s Pink Lady on the oval of the MCG. Waratah will sponsor BCNA’s promotional print for Field of Women, along with pick packing 15,000 backpacks going to attendees.
Ayda Hornak, head of Sales and Marketing at Waratah says, “We will be providing posters, flyers, banners and fulfilment services of the promotional packs for people attending.
“We chose this charity because of my personal experience with breast cancer and our COO who lost his mother to breast cancer when he was just 6.
“The Field of Women is the focus due to the involvement we have with shareholders and AFL Hall of Famers Stephen Kernahan and Craig Bradley. The management team and some staff are taking part in standing on the field. It is a massive event on the AFL calendar.”
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Carmen Mullinger, project manager for BCNA says, “In the grand scheme of things, it takes a village to run initiatives and we are having help from Waratah and a number of other organisations. It helps to have 100 per cent of funds go directly to the cause, when overhead costs are all covered.
“Waratah is providing all of the pre promotional material,the event day book and the picking and packing of backpacks. Around 30 of its staff are standing in the Field of Women, and others will be attending the match in corporate and general seats.
“It is the first time Waratah is getting involved. With Ayda’s own personal experience and Stephen and Craig being involved in both AFL and the company, the fit of the event made sense.”
Hornak adds, “I was diagnosed five years ago. It is a terrible experience that no one should go through. But what is most important is early diagnosis. Catching it early saves lives and that is why this campaign is so important, it helps raise awareness for women and men to go get checks and to be aware of their health.
“As a business we decided we need to do our part and contribute back to a cause that has impacted so many, including many of our own at Waratah.”
Mullinger says, “Around 50 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day and approximately 18,235 people will be diagnosed in a year. It is significant to show mass support for them, to them that they are not alone.
“It is also a day event this year, which has enabled us to make a full day of it and have family activities. It is important to remember when someone is diagnosed, it not only affects them, but also their families and whole communities.”
The Field of Women for this year takes place on Sunday at 1pm. For more information, head to BCNA’s website.
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