As another October rolls around, so does Breast Cancer Support Service’s Hot Pink Walk.
On October 15, “a sea of pink, big smiles and plenty of laughs” will hit Tauranga’s waterfront.
More than 4000 walkers are expected to gather at the southern end of The Strand, opposite Crown & Badger, for a relaxed 3km stroll around the edge of the CBD.
But the “final number always surprises us on the day,” said Lisa Hulton, chief executive officer of Breast Cancer Support Service Trust Tauranga.
“Hot Pink Walk is Tauranga’s biggest community event, and the momentum just keeps growing.
“We’ve got our famous regular supporters back, plus plenty of new faces and teams joining in.
“You’ll see families with strollers, people in wheelchairs, and folks with walkers. It’s a fun, festival-style evening with plenty of space to move and a brilliant crowd vibe.”
Canine friends are encouraged to come along and dress up. Photo / Breast Cancer Support Service Trust Tauranga
Pooch registration begins at 5pm, with a Zumba warm-up following from 5.30pm. The walk kicks off at 6pm sharp.
Hulton said people are what make the Hot Pink Walk – which supports the work of Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust – so special. “When our community turns up dressed in pink, people with breast cancer and their whānau feel seen and supported.
“It turns awareness into action – every registration and donation helps fund local, practical support during treatment and recovery.
“It’s a joyful way to honour those in treatment, celebrate survivors, and remember loved ones. For one night, Tauranga turns pink.”
Hulton said to expect sensational costumes, big laughs, and even dogs in tutus.
She recently assumed her role as chief executive officer and intends to prioritise “faster access to support, clearer information, and stronger connections across our community”.
A massive crowd usually turns out for the colourful fundraising event. Photo / NZME
“Over the next year, we’re refreshing our website and communications so it’s easier to navigate, simplifying referral pathways and growing our volunteer network and fundraising, so we can ultimately provide even more wrap-around services for our community.
“The goal is that everyone in the Western Bay of Plenty knows about our service and can get practical, local help when they need it, reducing stress for patients and their whānau.”
Hulton said Breast Cancer Support Service Trust Tauranga is a “small but mighty local charity, founded on breast cancer survivors supporting others”.
She said it’s completely independent of the Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Society. And it doesn’t receive government funding. “Every dollar we raise stays here in the Western BoP,” said Hulton.
Register or donate to the Hot Pink Walk at: www.hotpinkwalk.co.nz
The details
- What: Hot Pink Walk for Breast Cancer Support Service Trust Tauranga
- When: Wednesday, October 15, starting 5pm
- Where: Southern End Waterfront, opposite Crown & Badger, The Strand
- Register and donate here: www.hotpinkwalk.co.nz
Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in the Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.