01/05/2024
Kyabram Bakers Delight is one of the top earning bakeries for charity in the country, highlighting the incredible giving spirit of its team and the generosity of the local community.
Vince and Liza Curtis have been the Bakers Delight franchisees in Kyabram for 12 years and have proved their passion for giving through the Pink Bun campaign, raising money for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and awareness around breast cancer.
“We’re very proud of the fact we are one of the top bakeries, it’s a campaign that our staff and our customers get right behind,” said Liza. “We have many customers come in and share stories of their cancer journeys and it’s an opportunity to listen and really connect with them.”
Liza’s own father passed from cancer many years ago, and her family’s experience has motivated her to give back in support of other families in similar circumstances. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and – as a team – if we can shed a little bit of light on those going through the journey then that is all we need, to be proud of what we are doing,” Liza said. “We appreciate the opportunity to not only raise money for BCNA but also raise the awareness that BCNA is there to support people and families going through breast cancer.”
Liza said their staff look forward to the Pink Bun campaign each year and are very enthusiastic about the cause, including their sales manager who organises raffles and a big “BCNA Day”. “Whilst it’s a very serious topic it is a very bright and active campaign,” Liza said. “It’s an opportunity to do something positive for others and be a part of the bigger picture, bringing some relief to people and families that are going through a cancer journey.”
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 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.
Fellow rural Victorian Kansas, who was diagnosed at just 24 years of age, drove from Gippsland to take part. It was BCNA's Pink Lady Match that reminded her to book in with her GP to get a lump checked. “In 2021, I had done a self-check and found a small lump in my upper left breast but had then gotten busy and just put it off – I thought that at 24, it couldn't be major,” Kansas said. “BCNA had the Pink Lady Match, and the stories of others affected by breast cancer prompted me to get that lump checked.”
Following the resulting breast cancer diagnosis Kansas relied on BCNA’s website resources including the My Journey app to keep track of symptoms and prepare for medical appointments.
Liza’s Top Tips for Bakeries:
- Make sure your whole team gets behind the campaign and understands the significance of it.
- Bake plenty of Fun Buns – Kyabram only sell in the 6 packs.
- Get behind the beanies as merchandise proved to be very popular last year.
- Dress your bakery in pink and don’t be shy to pop on a tutu – the customers love it!
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.
