Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology work together toward a breast cancer-free future at annual breast cancer fundraiser

With an estimated 64 women being diagnosed every day and an estimated 190 men diagnosed in 2011, breast cancer affects us all. It is with these alarming statistics in mind that Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) campus transformed into a sea of pink on March 7 in celebration of the eighth annual Power of Pink (POP) Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The day-long event took place across campus engaging faculty, staff and students clad in their best pink to join in the fight against breast cancer.

“I think all the pink brings out the best in everyone,” said Suzanne Clark, marketing officer with the School of Continuing Education and POP event co-chair. “We all know someone who has been affected by this devastating disease and the Power of Pink event brings our entire community together to make a difference and raise awareness, funds and spirits for those suffering with breast cancer”. 

The morning kicked off with a Change for Change toll at all major building entrances and offered participants passports to prizes, which were stamped each time a monetary contribution was made increasing their chance to win great prizes. Additional fundraising initiatives included a Pink Ribbon tea party; spa services; handmade jewellery; bake sales; wide variety of merchandise including I love boobs clothing; and an Old Sweet Shoppe featuring candy kabobs, ice cream floats, cupcake cones, cookies and mocktails.

Among the top spots to stop was the faculty pie in the face kiosk at the Whitby campus, which drew long lines filled with eager students and staff.

Information on breast cancer was available at several locations to help increase awareness and participants also had the opportunity to commemorate those who have been affected by the disease by signing their names to a memory banner. The impactful messages seen on the board reinforced the importance of education and the need for self-assessment.   

To date the event has raised a total of $87,449.55. “This year marks a pretty special milestone for the Power of Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Day as we strive toward a cumulative goal of $100,000,” added Clark.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (70 per cent) and the remainder to the Gala of Hope’s Heather Griffith Breast Assessment Centre located at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa.

For more information about breast cancer, please visit the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.