IT WAS a hot and humid morning on Sunday (March 9) for the third annual Collinsville ‘Sea of Pink’.
More than 75 people ran, walked, scooted or rode their bikes for five kilometres, in the town’s ‘virtual’ answer to the Brisbane International Women’s Day (IWD) Fun Run event, supported by Mater Chicks in Pink.
With the Brisbane IWD Fun Run event cancelled this year, due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the wave of pink in the Queensland regions has made an even bigger impact, with people coming together to help spread the message about early detection and breast cancer research.
The sun was high and shining strong as the finishers returned to the Collinsville Golf Club, eager to accept their reward of an icy pole and chill out in the shade.
There were raffles and guessing games to play to help boost fundraising efforts, and the Collinsville QCWA volunteers cooked up bacon and egg wraps, savoury mince toasties and fresh fruit salad.
Local baker ‘Jenni’s Treats’ donated some delectable pink cupcakes, which were a hit with young and old participants.
At the time of writing, the Collinsville Sea of Pink has raised more than $13,400 in support of Mater Chicks in Pink.
Funds raised go towards life-saving research at Mater Hospitals and also help provide practical items such as mastectomy bras and wigs, helping women feel more like themselves and boosting their confidence as they recover from their treatment.
For event participant Rebecca Sulusi, the day had special significance.
“My mum is a survivor and has been cancer free for the past six years, however, many of her family members have not been as fortunate to catch it in the early stages,” Rebecca said.
“The fundraising efforts are such an important part of the journey to find a cure and improve treatment and care. Without the awareness and funds to improve treatments, I wouldn’t have my mum.”
This year, Collinsville was thrilled to welcome Whitsunday Regional Mayor Ry Collins to join the ‘Sea of Pink’.
Mayor Collins said it was fantastic to see Collinsville locals—young and old—lace up their runners for such an important cause.
“The great turnout showed that the Mater Sea of Pink Fun Run isn’t just about fitness; it’s about community standing together to support women in our community who are battling breast cancer,” Mayor Collins said.
“A huge well done to Alice and her incredible team of volunteers for putting together such a well run event, and a big thank you to Glencore for their support.
“As a bonus, I’ve already ticked off 6,000 steps for the day! But more importantly, we’ve all taken steps toward raising awareness and funds for an incredibly worthy cause.”
Collinsville Sea of Pink was proudly supported by local organisations and businesses, including Glencore’s Collinsville Open Cut operation, Collinsville Community Association, Collinsville QCWA, Collinsville Youth Coalition, and Collinsville Golf Club.
Prizes were donated by local businesses Heavy Logistics & Mechanical (HLM), Vex Engineering Services, N&S Abrasives, Opal Ridge Motel, Collinsville Workers Club, Collinsville Pharmacy, Beaute at the Ville and ERT Training Qld.
Event organiser Alice Randell thanked the Collinsville community for their support and encouragement.
“The event has become a milestone in the community’s calendar. It’s great to see new and returning faces each year,” Alice said.
“Unfortunately, we continue to share new stories of breast cancer diagnoses, giving us pause to remember why we continue to come together, raise funds and show support for breast cancer patients and survivors.
“With one in seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the message is simple – check your breasts.”
