COVID-19 restrictions delayed the annual Pink Ribbon fundraiser lunch this year, but organisers have confirmed a July 31 date for the event.

Locals Anna Laming and Jane Sharman have organised the local Pink Ribbon events in Wanaka for the past four years. 

The event raises money for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, which provides breast cancer education, life-saving research, and support for patients and their families.

This year’s lunch will take place at the Lake Hawea Hotel, with bubbles, canapes, a banquet lunch and entertainment for attendees.

“The main focus of it is about women coming together and having a lovely time, especially after the year that everyone has had,” Jane said. “We’ve found that people are really keen to get together.”

Pink Ribbon events take place all over the country to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. PHOTO: Supplied

She said it was important to support the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ because “breast cancer is something that touches us all”.

“It’s not discriminatory against age or anything like that; in our community we've all been touched, whether it’s friends or family members. 

“It’s something we need to be aware of and we need to be supporting each other and checking ourselves.” 

Jane estimates last year’s fundraiser lunch raised around $1,200 for the foundation, and she said the event was always very well supported by people in Wanaka. 

Pink Ribbon events held around the country last year raised a combined total of $1.9M for the charity, which relies entirely on donations.

Tickets to the Wanaka Pink Ribbon lunch cost $50. Tickets are available at the Lake Hawea Hotel, Urban Grind or by emailing [email protected].