Ōpōtiki people are being invited to gather with friends, family and colleagues this May to host or attend a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Pink Ribbon Breakfast is the foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, which encourages people to connect over a shared meal to make a difference for New Zealand women affected by breast cancer.

Around 210 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year across the Bay of Plenty region.

Hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast is a meaningful way to support them, helping fund groundbreaking research, free patient services and early detection education.

Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, said the flexibility of Pink Ribbon Breakfast meant anyone could get involved.

“We know many households are feeling the pressures of rising living costs right now, but hosting Pink Ribbon Breakfast doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It can be as simple as a morning tea at home or work, or catch-up at your local cafe. What’s important is coming together because every effort counts.

“As a charity that doesn’t receive any government funding, we desperately need more hosts to make sure our programmes can continue supporting the thousands of Kiwi women who rely on them. Every dollar raised makes a massive difference – by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, you’re turning coffee and conversation into something powerful.”

Pink Ribbon Breakfast Day is May 21, but events can be held any time throughout the month. Once registered, people will be sent a free host kit with ideas and resources to get them started.

For more information and to register to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, visit pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz. Registrations close on May 31.