Pink Punnets of Mushrooms

The Power of Pink is…. Powerful: Changing the lives of over 600 women in 2015!

#WeCanICan, the tagline of this year’s International Cancer Day, annually on February 4, reminds each one of us that we can do something to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families and communities.

And, in anticipation of February 4, the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association (SAMFA), Pick n Pay and Thermopac proudly add #WeDid to #WeCanICan with the announcement that their 2015 Power of Pink campaign raised a whopping R400 000.00 in support of Reach for Recovery (R4R).

“The power of this campaign,” says SAMFA chairperson, Ross Richardson, “lies in the fact that all funds raised are used to purchase silicone prostheses to support hundreds of underprivileged women after a mastectomy. In 2015 alone, 608 women from every province in South Africa benefitted from The Power of Pink campaign as silicone prostheses recipients.   

Explains R4R national manager Stephanie van Deventer, “The reality is that many breast cancer patients in South Africa cannot even afford a bra, let alone a breast prosthesis which, on average, costs around R732.00. Fundraising campaigns such as The Power of Pink, allow Reach for Recovery to make silicone prostheses affordable to women in financial need. For us it is so fulfilling to see the absolute joy on a woman’s face when a new prosthesis is fitted.  Every fitting is special and leaves such warmth in the heart. Thank you SAMFA, Pick n Pay and Thermopac for making it possible for us to help hundreds of women every year, giving them hope by restoring their dignity and their confidence.” 

A contribution of only R80 to cover administration costs is required and any state hospital patient who has had a mastectomy and can provide a hospital registration card is eligible. 

“”At the heart of the Pink Punnet campaign,” says Ross, “is the good news that mushrooms play a role in lowering breast cancer risk. We are so proud of our association with the extraordinary volunteer driven Reach for Recovery. Their praiseworthy mission, to positively change the lives of breast cancer affected women through emotional care and practical support, has enabled the mushroom industry to make a difference and be part of #WeCanICan” movement.

Fresh cultivated mushrooms in South Africa joined the fight against breast cancer in 2010 when punnets first turned pink on Pick n Pay’s shelves. The motivation to support Breast Cancer month stems from the many international research studies that continue to support the positive link between mushroom consumption and the reduction of breast cancer.