Pink Ribbon event a chance for connection

EASI NZ operations and marketing manager Ewa Wick (left) and managing director Cherilyn Walthew...
EASI NZ operations and marketing manager Ewa Wick (left) and managing director Cherilyn Walthew helped put together a Pink Ribbon Breakfast in Lake Hāwea. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A Wānaka-based recruitment company hosted a Pink Ribbon Breakfast after one woman saw the opportunity to connect people with a cause close to her heart.

EASI NZ is a company focused on helping small to medium business with recruitment, HR and health and safety.

Operations and marketing manager Ewa Wick was inspired by the women in her life to host the breakfast and raise breast cancer awareness.

She recalled watching several family members including her mother-in-law battle breast cancer and undergo mastectomy procedures. This opened her eyes to the risks of breast cancer in the family.

"I have two daughters that, basically through genetics, are going to be at a higher risk," she said. "So, it's very close to my heart, to be honest."

She felt the cause should be close to the heart of all women with more awareness and education being spread, especially for young women.

"I feel that the awareness actually really needs to be spread further ... when it comes to the young women being affected, it's actually pretty high."

Working for a company whose aim was to connect people, Ms Wick saw the perfect opportunity to bring the community together, raise money for an important cause and further inform the public about breast cancer.

In addition to breakfast and a community supported raffle, the morning also included a quiz Ms Wick had organised.

She said this was a good way for people to learn about the statistics and the preventive measures that could be taken.

The breakfast was held at the Lake Hawea Community Centre this morning with donations open before and after the event and all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Foundation.