Last Friday afternoon, Clarendon hosted the annual Players for Pink football match in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). The match was an opportunity for both Clarendon and Loreto Ballarat to show their support for, and pay tribute to, local people affected by breast cancer while raising vital funds for BCNA. The event was followed by our first combined Boys and Girls Boarding House concert to also raise awareness and funds for the cause.
Over the past few weeks, our Year 12 football leaders and Girls Boarding House leaders have been working hard to prepare for their respective events. The footballers ran a bake sale and coordinated guest speakers while the Girls Boarding House leaders ran rehearsals for students from years 7-12 and organised a silent auction.
“I feel that it is important to support BCNA because wearing pink and spreading awareness is a GREAT way of recognising women and men who have lost their lives while educating people about the impacts of breast cancer,” said current student, Ruby Stephens. “I wanted to help organise and support our Players for Pink match as I’ve been a part of this event since I was in Year 7 and wanted to keep the tradition going.”
For the past 24 years, BCNA have worked tirelessly to ensure that all Australians who are affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support.
“Players for Pink is an amazing show of support for locals affected by breast cancer,” said BCNA CEO, Kirsten Pilatti. “One of the reasons we participated in Players for Pink was to ensure local women and their families know that they don’t have to go through breast cancer alone and that our community is right behind them.”
In 2022, it’s estimated that over 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s 57 women and men every day. BCNA’s role is to advocate for, connect, support and inform those affected by breast cancer and work with the broader network to influence and create a stronger healthcare system.
Students were fortunate to hear from Old Collegian and current teacher, Charlotte Gorman (2014), whose family has been impacted by breast cancer, as well as Old Collegian and BCNA representative, Laura Buttler (2015).
During her Year 12, Charlotte Gorman was the co-captain of the BCC team participating in the Players for Pink match. Lily Corboy, captain of the Loreto Senior Girls Football team in 2014, also attended the Players for Pink match on Friday.
Despite their fierce competition at school, Charlotte and Lily connected while at university and are now close friends. Together, Charlotte, Lily and Laura inspired students with their stories and gave them motivation to try their best on the football field.
Later, boarders amazed family and friends with their performances in the Boarding House Concert. It was wonderful to see students stepping outside of their comfort zones while having fun on stage.
“The Boarding House Concert is significant because it is an annual event that brings the boarding community and parents together,” said Girls Boarding House Leader, Laura Costa. “I encourage the Clarendon community to get behind this fundraiser because it acknowledges the devastating impacts of breast cancer and reaffirms our support for those who have been affected personally, as well as their friends and family.”
Thank you to everyone who attended the events in support of our students and those who have been impacted by breast cancer. To learn more about BCNA and make a donation, visit https://bit.ly/3PWMt9q
