Pink October

Multicultural seniors raising awareness and funds

For the last few weeks, many of our Social Support Groups for Multicultural Seniors have been gathering in rooms decked out in pink florals while group members and facilitators have been dressed in all shades of pink.

You might be forgiven for thinking that the seniors had arrived late to Barbie-mania but no, October is Australia’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our seniors have been getting involved with energy and enthusiasm.

On Monday, at the Italian group in Preston, Facilitator Lena and her assistant Rosalba have dressed the dining table with pink flowers, plates, napkins and cups. Pink floral crafts and bunting decorate the walls. Lena has also brought in pink scarves for those who have forgotten or who don’t own pink threads in their wardrobe.

The group members arrive around 10.30am, their eyes lighting up when they see the pretty pinkness on display. The session starts with a proper Italian coffee and cupcakes specially made with pink ribbon icing courtesy of local bakery, Lucchini Cakes.

Lena then gave a presentation about Breast Cancer Awareness Month where she encouraged participants to stay positive and look after their health and wellbeing. Participants nod along in agreement before giving an emphatic round of applause.

“Just like a car needs a good driver, it needs a good engine and it needs lots of petrol. It won’t do well if one of those things is missing. Our mind body and spirit work in harmony with each other. They make us feel good and they can drive us towards a more positive happy fulfilled life. We need to remember to be kind to ourselves, to love ourselves and to believe in ourselves.”
– Lena Carmignani, Group Facilitator

Following morning tea, the seniors move to one of the activity rooms where they delight in a raffle of gifts which have been donated by local businesses. Fun and games follow – with much chatter and laughter – before the seniors don props and pose for photographs.

There is still time for some singing and dancing before they are all called to the table for lunch: delicious hearty minestrone, with bread and a fresh vibrant spring salad. Caterina and Zoran have been busy in the kitchen all morning and their efforts are thoroughly appreciated by everyone.

The rest of the session is spent chatting and then another coffee, this time with carrot cake.

As the session comes to a close, taxis start arriving and the bus is ready to transport other participants home, but not before Carmela Castaldo is awarded a prize for Best Dressed.

Similar scenes have played out at other Social Support Groups in recent weeks with groups collecting donations for Lena’s fundraising initiative. To date they have collected over $500 to support Australian Breast Cancer Research!

And October is not over yet. With 23 groups meeting each week, there are more opportunities for seniors to come together, connect, learn about Breast Cancer, and participate in fun activities while supporting a very worthy cause.

Spectrum would like to give a shout out and a big thank you to all the local businesses who donated to our October Breast Cancer Research fundraiser including: Officeworks Highpoint, Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse Moonee Ponds, Spotlight, Chemist Warehouse, Pasticcino, Aberfeldie Salumeria, Lucchini Cakes, Priceline, and D’Artagnan Moonee Ponds.

Find out more about Spectrum’s Social Support Groups

Find out more about Australian Breast Cancer Awareness Month