October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre needs your help to Paint the Town Pink.
Paint the Town Pink is a breast cancer awareness campaign where volunteers turn pumpkins into works of art that are then purchased for $20 each, with all funds raised supporting the centre.
The pumpkins are put out as a show of support for those going through breast cancer and people can drive through the neighbourhoods to see all the pink pumpkins.
“Each October, our community really comes together, from hundreds of pink pumpkins to local businesses running promotions to benefit our programming,” said Eric Walter, Executive Director of the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre. “It really does add up to make a difference for our organization.”
The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is a non-profit organization that has been operating for 13 years.
Its mission is to provide emotional, physical and spiritual support, education and information to people affected by cancer, including families, caregivers and survivors.
This support includes mental health counselling, recreational opportunities, art therapy programs, group support programs, massage therapy, lymphedema care, and financial assistance to cover the cost of travel to and from appointments, parking, wigs and other expenses that add up after a diagnosis.
The centre also connects clients to external resources through partner organizations.
“We recently moved into our new facility - we built our Home for Hope in Penetanguishene in March 2020,” said Walter. “Since that time, we’ve been able to expand our programming and hours and we’ve seen a big uptick in those using our services and reaching out.”
A Home for Hope is the first rural cancer support centre in Ontario and this expansion was much-needed, as there is an amplified need for care in a small, rural community where there are fewer supports than in a big city. The centre, run by a small number of staff and dedicated volunteers, now serves over 200 families in the area.
Volunteer support is critical, as the non-profit operates on private donations, grants and fundraising efforts.
“Our volunteers keep us going.Tthey may be people who sit at the desk or someone who leads a support group or bakes in the kitchen or helps with activities,” Walter said. “Their support is really critical because we operate on private donations, grants and fundraising efforts.”
Paint the Town Pink is just one of the ways you can help raise funds and spread awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about how you can give back and support the Georgian Bay Cancer Centre’s programming, click here.
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