RECOGNISING the importance of breast cancer awareness in Tonga, women at a Pink Fundraising Lunch on October 14 raised $6,000 pa'anga for the Tonga Breast Cancer Society

A highlight of activities during the October Breast Cancer awareness month, the pink lunch at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel Garden was attended by over 90 women, including HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Hon Frederica Tuita, the President of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society. TBCS.

Women dressed in colourful pink outfits and accessories, raised money in lunch tickets, raffle tickets, auctions and drinks.

TBCS Treasurer Christine 'Uta'atu said the event was a great success because they are getting more attendants, participation and publicity, and raising breast cancer awareness amongst women in Tonga.

She said they would also have a booth at the Pasifiki Trade Fair this week, and would take the opportunity to raise more awareness on the importance of self-examination and early detection of the disease.

The money raised paid for the expenses of the lunch and the Breast Cancer would use the remaining with its programs such as holding visits to villages to speak on the importance breast cancer awareness, early detection and diagnosis.

Holding more breast cancer awareness would help lift the feeling of taboo among women in Tonga on the issue, so that they could come forward to seek advice from the TBCS, she said.

To conclude the October Breast Cancer month, TBCS plans a Breast Cancer Awareness walk in Nuku'alofa on October 30. Every Friday in Tonga is pink Friday in support of the Breast Cancer awareness.

Christine said they were also thankful for the increasing support and donations from the local businesses like MBF Bank and Billfish Bar and Restaurant.