NEWS RELEASE
GEORGIAN BAY CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE
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The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) famous pink and lavender bedazzled pumpkins are returning this October. The painted pumpkins are the focal point of the annual Paint the Town Pink campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All funds raised over the month go back to programs and services for those impacted by cancer in North Simcoe and the surrounding area.
This year campaign is getting bigger and better than ever, according to Paul Eichhorn, manager, fundraising and stewardship at GBCSC.
“Not only did we increase the number of pumpkins for sale but we’ve also added other ways people can support one of our major campaigns,” says Eichhorn. “Paint the Town Pink has for over the decade become one of the key ways people learn about the Centre. Thanks to the incredible volunteers on our campaign committee, we were able to add to the ‘Pink” fun in October.”
This year 300 pumpkins (supplied by R & P Desroches Farm) are available for sale at $20 each while supplies last (typically, pumpkins sell-out by mid-October). Pumpkins can be purchased at the GBCSC (45 Edward St., Penetanguishene) or online and picked up at the GBCSC beginning after October 1. Pumpkins can also be purchased at Farm2Door (159 Balm Beach Rd East, Midland) and at For Sale on Georgian Bay (255 King St., Midland). For Sale on Georgian Bay is also Lead Community Partner for the month-long campaign.
Beyond the pumpkins, several Community Partners are stepping up to support the campaign. Some are donating sales proceeds (or a portion) of specific products or funds raised from a special event for the GBCSC. This year’s contributing local businesses include DeFerrari Home, Test Batches Brewery, Barber & Haskill, The Mouse Trap, Boulangers Midland City Bakers, Fresh by Leanne, Royal Tea on King, History Barbershop, Café Kittyhawk, and The Pulse Nutrition. The items available range from cupcakes and pink prosecco cheese to pillows and a pink pomade hair product. A full list of Community Partners can be found the Paint the Town Pink website, gbcancersupportcentre.ca/paint-the-town-pink-2 .
Each week there will also be an auction to bid for and win one of several speciality pumpkins created by local artists. Highest bidder wins the pumpkin. Details can be found on GBCSC social media as well as on the Paint the Town Pink website. Plus, a month-long Paint the Town Pink Online Silent Auction will offer two artworks by local artists, handmade quilt, and an aerial tour. Details about both auctions can be found on GBCSC social media as well as on the Paint the Town Pink website, www.gbcancersupportcentre.ca/paint-the-town-pink.
Finally, the GBCSC is teaming up with Fresh Baked Consulting to offer a sweet treat in October. A dollar from every Pink Pumpkin Cookie sold supports GBCSC programs and services. To order cookies go to www.gbcancersupportcentre.ca/paint-the-town-pink-cookies.
Eichhorn notes that the GBCSC can only make this campaign happen thanks to dozens of amazing volunteers. Several volunteers during the last week of September helped to wash, paint, and decorate pumpkins. For Sale on Georgian Bay also got a team together to paint and decorate 100 pumpkins.
To find out more about Paint the Town Pink, how to buy a pumpkin, and details on everything else happening, go to gbcancersupportcentre.ca/paint-the-town-pink.
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