Pavlova project in the pink

Trying pink pavlova at Columba College yesterday are Libby Sycamore (17), New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Evangelia Henderson, Simone Reid (18), foundation communications manager Adele Gautier and Olivia Anderson (17). Photo by Christ
Trying pink pavlova at Columba College yesterday are Libby Sycamore (17), New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive Evangelia Henderson, Simone Reid (18), foundation communications manager Adele Gautier and Olivia Anderson (17). Photo by Christine O'Connor.
Columba College's Pink Ladies hope some Summer Loving will continue to boost their pavlova sales.

In May, 15 girls from the year 13 economics class officially launched their pink pavlova Young Enterprise project.

Cowell's Genuine Pavlova created the limited-edition pink pavlova and $1 from each dessert sold was destined for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Yesterday, NZBCF chief executive Evangelia Henderson and communications manager Adele Gautier visited the school, met the Pink Ladies, heard about their business and even sampled the product.

Managing director Libby Sycamore (17) estimated between 2000 and 3000 pavlovas had already been sold and they were now being stocked as far afield as Kerikeri.

Their goal had always been to sell 20,000 and the girls were still aiming for that. Even if they did not reach it, it had been an ''amazing'' and invaluable experience, she said.

One hurdle, with pavlova being seen as a seasonal product, was trying to promote it as a mid-winter treat.

Now, stores were interested in stocking it to coincide with Breast Cancer Month in October, and supermarkets were still being pursued.

When it came to their Young Enterprise project, the girls felt like they needed to ''go beyond just making a profit'', Libby said.

Some of the money raised would probably help fund breast cancer research in Dunedin and it was exciting that they could help ''make a difference''.

There was a possibility the project could continue next year and various options were being looked at.

If it went well, there was a chance the girls might continue it as ''something on the side'' when they embarked on tertiary study. Another option was to pass it on to next year's year 13 economics class.

Mrs Henderson thanked the Pink Ladies, saying they were doing an ''amazing'' job. They were not only learning about commercialisation of a business, but also doing some great fundraising.

Breast cancer was a disease that touched many people and everyone knew someone who was affected.

Research was ''not a one-day wonder''. It took time and was being done by people who were ''so devoted'' and the money raised would go to a ''really great cause'', she said.

Columba College principal Juliette Hayes said the school was ''very, very proud'' of the Pink Ladies.

Add a Comment