Pink Up Parkes and all who was involved in the October-long fundraiser has generated a whopping $34,215 for the McGrath Foundation.
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The community went above and beyond in its first year of the Pink Up Your Town initiative that aims to help fund more McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses around the country.
After numerous pink-themed events and fundraising activities held across town by clubs, community groups, businesses and individuals, the Pink Up Parkes committee led by Carolyn Rice OAM gathered last week for their wrap-up meeting and to tally their final fundraising total.
Initially the committee had a goal of raising $20,000 for the month, but a week out from the end of October it was looking more like $30,000.
"$20,000 was only our internet target, which we didn't know that at the time, so it didn't consider the money we collected on the ground," Pink Up Parkes secretary Marg Applebee said.
"Just over $34,000 is fantastic, we're very excited that we can contribute to the McGrath Foundation, with all money raised going to the McGrath Foundation."
SEE HOW PARKES PINKED UP IN OCTOBER:
Marg said the committee would like to acknowledge the huge efforts by the community, especially given the ongoing drought.
"While you had all these fundraising events, it also saw people coming together as a community as a morale boost, that's definitely a positive outcome," she said.
"A huge thank you to everyone for their support.
"And we'd like to acknowledge the support of Parkes Shire Council and the Parkes Business Chamber.
"We're committed for this to become an annual event, with it most definitely happening in 2020."
Marg is encouraging everyone to start thinking about ways they can get involved in the cause next year.
People can follow Pink Up Parkes on social media and stay up-to-date with what's happening next year.
Marg would also like to remind anyone with outstanding amounts, can download the banking remittance form from the Central West Lachlan Landcare website at https://centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/.
Parkes' own McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse Dianne Green was blown away by the town's support this year.
She was curious at the beginning of the fundraiser how the community would embrace Pink Up Your Town.
"It wasn't about the money, I wanted to see how and if the community would get behind it and how it took hold," she said.
"It was wonderful to see how they got behind it, [especially during the drought].
"As I am a community-funded McGrath Breast Care Nurse, this type of community fundraising is crucial to maintaining positions such as mine.
"I am very proud of our town because they have always come together to support services who support them.
"Personally I would like to thank the Pink Up Parkes committee members, Parkes Shire Council and Mayor Ken Keith OAM for intitiating the Pink Up Parkes initiative, and Parkes Chamber of Commerce and all the businesses, schools and community groups for their huge effort.
"I hold the women and men I care for dearly to my heart and through the effort shown during October, so does their community. Thank you."
Parkes Mayor Cr Keith said the money raised was an outstanding achievement, spreading the news at council's November 19 meeting.
"Given the current drought conditions, it was a wonderful example of community spirit," he said.
"It's a great effort for our first try, a big congratulations to everyone, in particular the committee led by Carolyn Rice."
Cr Keith said there was much enthusiasm and passion to run the campaign again next year, with planning to begin earlier in April 2020.
Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton said it was lovely to see the town in pink.
"Everywhere you looked there was pink," she said.
"Even in Tullamore, we had a pink night where we raised a couple of thousand dollars."
Peak Hill was also involved with "Pink Hill" as part of Pink Up Your Town, which has added to the Parkes Shire's commitment to the McGrath Foundation. More on how their fundraising initiative went in October later.
