01/05/2024
Three Adelaide-based Bakers Delight bakeries in Findon, Hendon, and St Clair are battling it out for the title of top fundraiser for this year's Pink Bun campaign, raising valuable funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
Franchisee of the three locations Michelle Faneco’s own mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, so it’s a cause that hits close to home for her. Her own family’s experience has motivated her to give back in support of other families in similar circumstances.
“Mum’s journey began in November and a breast cancer diagnosis came soon after her mammogram in February this year,” Michelle said. “Mum’s prognosis is positive, thankfully, because we can’t imagine life without her in it right now. Her journey is not over yet but I’m just so glad to be part of the Bakers Delight network, so I have the flexibility to be there for mum.”
Michelle and Ian Faneco started with Bakers Delight in April 2004 and over the past 20 years have proved their passion for giving through the Pink Bun campaign, raising money for BCNA and increasing awareness of breast cancer.
“While we fully support BCNA throughout the campaign and are proud of our achievements over the years, we feel the little we are able to contribute falls into insignificance when considering those that have been diagnosed and dealing with the unknowns that breast cancer presents,” said Michelle.
Ian said their staff look forward to the Pink Bun campaign each year and are very enthusiastic about the cause. He also believes the recent addition of the Hendon bakery will ensure some light competition amongst them all. “Friendly competition between our three sites will be used to incentivise staff and support them with their fundraising efforts,” Ian said. “We hope our continued support within the community brings us all closer and trust that our small efforts will help create greater awareness of our involvement with BCNA.”
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.
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 women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. A breast cancer experience is different for everyone – and each Australian 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.
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.”
Michelle’s Top Tips for Bakeries:
- Make sure your whole team gets behind the campaign and understands the significance of it. We ‘Pink Up’ with silhouettes, pink plaits, shirts/tops etc.
- Bake plenty of Fun Buns – we ensure we maintain a large volume of product.
- Get behind the beanies as merchandise proved to be very popular last year.
- This year we are having a stand offering information to customers about all the support BCNA offers and are engaging with the Pink Dragon boat teams who are amazing.
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.
