Launch of Virtual Pink Seats to raise $1 million for the McGrath Foundation
In the lead up to the iconic Vodafone Pink Test, the McGrath Foundation is calling on Australia to help keep the ‘pink’ in the Pink Test by buying virtual Pink Seats to help raise $1 million to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
Unveiled today, the virtual Pink Seats campaign has been developed to combat a reduced crowd at the SCG. By purchasing virtual Pink Seats, people right across Australia can get involved in the Pink Test no matter where they are, either at the ground or watching from home.
With breast cancer now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia1, every virtual Pink Seat sold will help the McGrath Foundation towards the goal of funding seven McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who will support 700 Australian families going through breast cancer.
Glenn McGrath, McGrath Foundation Co-Founder and President, is asking people from across Australia to show their support for people with breast cancer by buying a virtual Pink Seat.
“The Pink Test has become a national phenomenon and we always look forward to seeing people pinking up with our bandanas to help bathe the SCG in pink as a symbolic show of support for those experiencing breast cancer and raising much needed funds for the McGrath Foundation.
“But the reality is the Pink Test will look a little bit different this year. There will be less people in the crowd and sadly, we won’t have our much-loved volunteers on the ground collecting donations.
“We’re hoping people will buy their virtual Pink Seats to show their support because pink is more than just a colour – it’s the energy, the hope and the support that comes from going pink that makes a difference to people with breast cancer.
“By buying a virtual Pink Seat, not only will you be helping to keep the ‘pink’ in the Pink Test, you’ll also be showing your support for those families experiencing breast cancer. It’s a simple, easy way everyone can get involved, whether they’re at the SCG or watching from home,” said Glenn.
Recognised as one of the biggest charitable sporting events in the world over the last 13 years, the Pink Test partnership between the McGrath Foundation, Cricket Australia and the SCG Trust symbolises the best in sport coming together to make a difference to those living with breast cancer.
Holly Masters, McGrath Foundation CEO, reiterated the important work of the McGrath Breast Care Nurse network and why the Pink Test remains a critical fundraising opportunity for the McGrath Foundation.
“Many people don’t realise it costs us over $14 million per year to fund our network of 154 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, so the money raised from the Pink Test is integral to help us keep providing support to those 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
“Our McGrath Breast Care Nurses have continued to play a vital role in supporting families experiencing breast cancer in this last year, particularly as they help patients navigate the additional challenges of COVID-19.
“We are so grateful for the continued support of the cricket community, Cricket Australia and the SCG and we hope everyone will get involved and help keep the ‘pink’ in the Pink Test by buying their virtual Pink Seats from pinktest.com.au,” said Holly.
Pat Cummins, Australian Test Cricketer, said the Pink Test is an honour to be a part of each year.
“I actually feel quite emotional on Jane McGrath Day, because the Pink Test shows the best in Australia. I hope everyone will show their support by buying a virtual Pink Seat and help the McGrath Foundation raise $1 million to help fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses who provide invaluable support,” Pat said.
You can purchase virtual Pink Seats for $20 by jumping onto pinktest.com.au. You’ll then receive your virtual Pink Seat with your name on it, which you can share with #pinktest.
Visit pinktest.com.au to find out all the ways you can get involved in the 2021 Pink Test, including:
- Buying virtual Pink Seats and sharing with #pinktest
- Bidding in the Pink Test Auction, including a luxury outback experience for five nights with Glenn McGrath or Pink Test memorabilia, like baggies signed by both teams
- Downloading a free Pink Party Pack thanks to HCL Technologies, to pink up your ‘home ground’
- Making a donation online at pinktest.com.au
- Pinking up at the Ground, including buying the iconic 2021 pink bandana
1 From Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s “Cancer in Australia 2019” report, https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/8c9fcf52-0055-41a0-96d9-f81b0feb98cf/aihw-can-123.pdf.aspx?inline=true
