Splash of paint to raise awareness

THIS October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s an opportunity to draw attention to the disease, its impacts and why research and awareness is crucial.

Breast cancer is Australia’s second most commonly diagnosed cancers and more than 20,000 people will be given a diagnosis this year.

For the awareness month, Bendigo’s Pinot & Picasso will be holding a paint and sip event with $5 from each ticket donated to the McGrath Foundation.

Owner-manager Rebecca Auld said fundraising to combat breast cancer is important to the team at Paint & Picasso.

“The cause is close to our heart, we’ve been touched by a college and a family member who are both breast cancer survivors and is one reason why we want to do something to support the cause,” she said.

“Our purpose at Pinot & Picasso Bendigo is to be a part of and to give back to our community.

“The event is a fun way to give back, you’re doing a small part and the more of us that do that the bigger impact we have,” Ms Auld said.

McGrath Foundation research has shown one in five people diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia will not receive support from a breast cancer nurse.

Foundation CEO Holly Masters said a diagnosis can change a patient’s life completely and it’s her organisation’s mission to make sure nobody goes through the challenge without support from a breast cancer nurse.

“Everyone deserves access to this care, but sadly, people in Australia still miss out,” Ms Masters said.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a timely reminder of why it’s so critical that we reach our goal to fund 250 McGrath Breast Cancer Nurses by 2025 and address this gap in care.

“We are calling on Australians to help us to reach this goal because we want to make sure no one misses out.”

The paint and sip event will run at Pinot & Picasso in Hargreaves Mall on Friday, 28 October, from 7pm to 10pm

All participants will enter a draw to win a 50-millilitre bottle of Chanel No.5, valued at $175.

Tickets are $75 and include painting materials, a Pinot & Picasso apron, and glassware and the session is BYO alcohol and nibbles.

To purchase tickets visit bit.ly/3LNGvHo.