Dunstan High School (DHS) is getting involved in Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand’s (BCFNZ) biggest annual fundraising campaign, Pink Ribbon Breakfast this month.

DHS service committee leader and senior student Isla Nelson said it was her second year organising the fundraiser together with student Sophie MacDonald and others. 

“It’s all about raising awareness. We have had teachers affected . . . everyone is touched by breast cancer at some point in their lives, perhaps their family or friends.”

Last year’s breakfast attracted about 60 people and Isla said this year the menu was going to be as delicious.

“There will be waffles, including a gluten free option, with fruit, yoghurt, cream or maple syrup. Also croissants with ham and cheese or jam, and juice coffee and tea.”

Ten members of the service committee are cooking the waffles, and have been behind the scenes organising the breakfast for half a term. 

“This is one of our big [fundraising efforts]. We usually do one big one a term.

"Next up is the foodbank and our Matariki market.”

Isla said if anyone wanted to support the fundraiser, but could not attend on May 23 they could donate to the school office, or via the DHS pink ribbon breakfast fundraising page.

“Also any business who wants to donate a raffle prize, or support us with food for the breakfast can email me, [email protected] - we would be so grateful for any donations.”

The DHS breakfast is 7.30am to 8.30am on Thursday May 23. A $10 donation is needed at the door to gym classrooms (G2 and G3).

Gold coin raffle tickets are available, prizes have been provided by local businesses, and include gift hampers, cafe vouchers, wine and spirits.

Poster for DHS pink ribbon breakfast. PHOTO: Supplied 

Raffle prizes from the 2023 DHS pink ribbon breakfast. PHOTO: Supplied 

More than 4,700 New Zealanders have signed up to hold a breakfast event so far. If you would like to host your own breakfast, registrations close at the end of May. Visit Pink Ribbon Breakfast to sign up.

All of the money raised will fund education, research and patient support. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi women. One in 9 women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime, and 650 women in New Zealand die from breast cancer every year.

If you or a family member needs support with breast cancer, BCFNZ’s specialist breast care nurses are available, contact 0800 BC NURSE (226 8773) or email [email protected]