Overwhelming support for a Pink Ribbon Breakfast in Ashburton on Saturday has raised $8000.
The Fork and Talk Standing Brunch, organised by Fit 4 Life personal trainer Pip Heney and held in the foyer of the Allenton gym, was attended by more than 60 people.
‘‘It was just unreal, absolutely unreal; mindboggling,’’ she said.
‘‘It just shows the generosity of our members and the community, and the small business owners. It’s really heartwarming and overwhelming.’’
The Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign to help beat breast cancer was a cause close to Heney’s heart.
She had friends who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had treatment; some had not survived.
She said the experience faced by those going through it was not something she would wish on anybody.
“Breast cancer affects everybody in one way or another,’’ Heney said.
‘‘Everybody has a story and a way that has affected them, so everyone can relate to it.’’
Among Heney’s friends was Vicki McArthur who had survived breast cancer and was guest speaker at the brunch event.
‘‘Vicki was determined. She is the strongest person that I knew, but it was very, very tough on her,’’ Heney said.
‘‘Seeing her go through it, you just don’t wish it on anybody, ever.’’
Every year more than 3000 people, mostly women, in New Zealand are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Funds raised through the Pink Ribbon campaign help fund breast cancer education, research and patient support.
Heney said 65 tickets were sold for a breakfast, which was then renamed as Fork and Talk Standing Brunch to accommodate extras who wanted to attend.
‘‘This was initially hoped to have about 10 people to a sit-down breakfast. These numbers have completely grown beyond my expectations.
‘‘When they got to 40 people I decided we couldn’t fit everyone in for a sit down breakfast.
‘‘So, instead of cutting the numbers off, with it being such a fantastic cause close to everybody’s hearts, I decided that we would do a Fork and Talk Standing Brunch.’’
The menu included warmed ham/cheese croissants and frittatas, chia seed breakfast puddings, fruit kebabs and sweet/savoury muffins.
Heney said the goal was to see 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Pink Ribbon cause and it had been made possible due to support.
She said support had exceeded her expectations with all prizes and food ingredients for the brunch donated.
‘‘I’m completely overwhelmed with the donations and support from our local people,’’ she said.
Ahead of the day she ran a raffle and during the event had two silent auctions as well as a punch wall, like a lucky dip, where each prize was valued between $50 to $250.
Heney said at Fit 4 Life, each of the staff were encouraged to choose a charity, which the gym would support.
She said a Daffodil Day event – supporting life-saving cancer research and raising awareness – was planned for later in the year.
