Lady Mayoress raises $10,000 to fight breast cancer

04 Nov 2009

Heavy rain and wind could not dampen the breast cancer fundraising efforts of Lady Mayoress of Parramatta Karen Garrard at last week’s Breast Cancer Fundraising Breakfast in front of Parramatta Town Hall.

The breakfast, held on the official Breast Cancer Awareness Day on 26 October, was part of a month-long fundraising effort which resulted in $10,000 being raised for the cause.

Mrs Garrard and a dedicated team raised the impressive total through the sale of raffle tickets, merchandise, cupcakes and the Breast Cancer Fundraising Breakfast. The Lady Mayoress presented a cheque of $10,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Friday, 30 October.

“I am so pleased with the generosity of the people,” said Mrs Garrard. “Despite the wet spell and just over two weeks of fundraising, the result was fantastic!” said Mrs Garrard.

“Credit for the success of the fundraising must truly go to the people and businesses of Parramatta who showed they not only have a big heart but a caring spirit too,” she said.

“I couldn’t have done this without the magnificent help I received from Council’s staff, our business community – which provided impressive prizes – and Councillors who pitched in, Cr Lim, Cr McDermott and my husband,” said Mrs Garrard.

“I was inspired and encouraged by the people who attended our morning tea. It was lovely to meet and chat with local residents and breast cancer survivors who had remarkable stories of courage and hope to tell,” she said.

“It’s amazing to see how caring and willing to help people from our community are. It inspires us all to continue our efforts to find a cure for breast cancer and raise awareness about the importance of early detection,” she said.

“Every person knows someone or is someone who has had breast cancer. It touches all of our lives,” said Mrs Garrard, who personally related to the impacts of this disease, as her mother was a breast cancer survivor.

“Even though Pink Ribbon Day is behind us I encourage women to carry regular breast checks, be aware and support those who suffer from breast cancer,” said Mrs Garrard.

For more information visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation site: www.nbcf.org.au

For further media information:

Parramatta City Council Communications Officer