01/05/2024
The family behind Dianella Bakers Delight is a top earning bakery for charity in WA, highlighting the giving spirit of its team and the generosity of the local community.
Franchisees and brother and sister Rowan and Elysia Panton said it’s a privilege to be in the position to help others and facilitate the giving between their own generous community and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), which supports all those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis.
“We are so proud of the generosity of our customers and the great results we have been able to achieve through the Bakers Delight Pink Bun campaign, which would not be possible without the support of the Dianella community,” Ms Panton said.
Ms Panton credits the commitment of their bakery team, who take pride in baking Fun Buns while requesting support from their customers. “Asking people to part with their hard-earned money is never easy, but when you are asking for such a meaningful cause, it makes it a little bit easier and very worthwhile,” Ms Panton said.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for Australian women. The Panton's are close to two people who have been diagnosed, so raising awareness has become personal. “The Pink Bun campaign is not only great for raising money for BCNA, but also for increasing awareness and that reminder to stay vigilant and get screened regularly,” Ms Panton said. “It gives people the opportunity to talk about how breast cancer has touched their lives – be it themselves, a loved one, or a friend.”
BCNA and Bakers Delight have partnered for 24-years, with Bakers Delight raising an incredible $25 million for BCNA in that time. The relationship offers an excellent example of what business and charity can achieve together.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the franchisees at Bakers Delight – the way they give back, get behind the campaign, pink up their stores, encourage their staff,” said BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti. “That ongoing support and partnership is something that we don’t take for granted.”
From 9-29 May, Bakers Delight bakeries across the country will begin baking their limited-edition Fun Buns to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and all Australians affected by breast cancer. During this time,100% of the sales from every Fun Bun or Fun Bun 6-Pack sold will be donated to BCNA to help it continue to provide Australians affected by breast cancer with the very best information, treatment, and support.
Ms Pilatti said Bakers Delight’s support has been vital for BCNA. “The generosity of the whole Bakers Delight team, year-after-year, is overwhelming,” she said. “Without the support of the franchisees across Australia and their communities, BCNA would not be here to provide the information and support Australians need as they navigate their breast cancer journey.”
Bakers Delight Joint CEO, Elise Gillespie said the Pink Bun campaign was something she and franchisees around the country looked forward to each year. “This campaign wouldn’t be a success without the generosity and enthusiasm of our franchisees and it’s incredible to see our bakeries turn pink for this special campaign. This year’s campaign theme really focusses on helping BCNA support every Australian affected by breast cancer, so we would encourage customers across Australia to come into their local bakery not only to buy Fun Buns, but to share their own personal stories and connection with breast cancer. It really reinforces why we do this campaign and what it means to our franchisees and local community members.”
More than 20,000 Australian women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. A breast cancer experience is different for everyone – and each person diagnosed will need different support – which is highlighted by the three Pink Bun ambassadors in 2024. The faces behind this year's campaign – Kansas, Sam, and Jill – arrived from different parts of the country to share and shine a light on how BCNA and its staff have supported each of them through their respective breast cancer experiences.
Jill is from Perth and was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in her early 50s, which is cancer that is treatable but life limiting. "You get the incurable part before you get the treatable part," Jill said of her diagnosis. "It's confronting, scary, and sad because you feel like, ‘Am I going to see my children get married and have children of their own?’.”
Jill hopes to highlight that you are still able to live well with metastatic breast cancer. She is one of thousands of Australians to have benefitted from BCNA’s advocacy work, as her medication is now subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). BCNA advocated to the government for this drug to be listed. “I don't think you can say thank you enough!” said Jill. “Get a round of Fun Buns to get around BCNA and all those affected by breast cancer.”
Media Contact:
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Rachael Stewart | Media and Communications Manager | 03 9805 2540| media@bcna.org.au
For further information on Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) please visit www.bcna.org.au
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About us:
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 175,000 individual members. BCNA supports, informs, represents and connects Australians affected by breast cancer and works to ensure that all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support appropriate to their individual needs.
