Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Think Pink Bahrain marked World Cancer Day by handing over a cheque for BD42,000 from its fundraising efforts during last year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
But there was some controversy on the day when representatives from the Health Ministry failed to show up for the presentation.
The cash was raised through various events throughout October which included the Legends Lunch, Golf Day and Gala Dinner along with fitness days, open days and lectures. GP2 race ace Hamad Al Fardan launched the campaign by wearing a pink thobe on the front page of GulfWeekly.
"This is the maximum amount of funds Think Pink has raised since its inception in 2004. We are extremely thankful for the donations we have received from various organisations," said Jules Sprakel, founder of Think Pink Bahrain.
"The awareness raised in 2008 was exceptional with 2,500 self-examination leaflets in Urdu and English going out to mothers at the Pakistani School. We strongly believe in raising awareness of early detection in order to save lives and in doing our best to spread knowledge within various circles of the Bahraini community.
"But I am disappointed that neither a Ministry official - despite confirmation from two - nor the head of Bahrain Cancer Society attended to receive the cheque. The cheque is no paltry amount and we put in a lot of effort raising it."
The press event was held at the office of NIC Homes at Al Moayyad Towers in Seef and Rula Al Saffar, member of Bahrain Cancer Society and head of the Cancer Support Group, collected the cheque on behalf of the official agencies.
She lauded Think Pink's efforts and commitment saying: "There are between 400 to 500 cases of cancer detected each year in Bahrain. The demand for medicines, doctors, facilities and funds is high and the cancer society is not able to meet the demands. Think Pink's funds will be channelled towards breast awareness campaigns, a mammography drive, treatment, medicines and breast prosthesis."
Think Pink is a non-profit organisation which focuses on activities and events to increase awareness of breast cancer and through its efforts raises funds for breast cancer awareness, detection and treatment. All the individuals working for Think Pink are volunteers, most of whom have full time jobs and volunteer their time and energy to work for a worthy cause.
Think Pink garners community support where required and keeping in line with its non-profit structure most of its work is done pro bono. It introduced its website www.thinkpinkbahrain.com as an information vehicle outlining contact numbers, educational information and special events designed by Al Mansoori.
Think Pink Bahrain also introduced its new logo and branding which was designed by Dubai-based LOWE Mena.
