A Tauranga woman hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is encouraging others in the region to get involved.

Natarsha Jenkins, who works at BNZ Bayfair, is organising a fundraiser at the bank to raise awareness and support.

“We wanted to stand behind this cause because when you think about it, breast cancer touches every family in some way.”

Jenkins said it might be a grandmother who always gave great hugs and made the best shortbread, a mum who was always there when you needed her, an aunty who made family gatherings brighter, a sister who you shared all your secrets with, a daughter whose future we want to protect or a best friend who has been alongside through every up and down life can throw.

“All of us at BNZ Bayfair are proud to stand behind this cause because when we support each other, we create hope, and hope is a powerful thing.”

Around 210 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year across the Bay of Plenty region, according to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

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

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner said the flexibility of Pink Ribbon Breakfast means anyone can 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.”

Rayner said 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, she said, 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 from March to June.

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.

-Content supplied by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ