A group of women from the transport industry in Manawatu got together in June to show their support for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The women dressed (or undressed!) in pink and put on their biggest smiles for a photo that will be used in a nationwide fundraising calendar. Palmerston North truck driver Amanda Bright said the women were a mix of admin staff, dispatchers and ownerdrivers contracted to Toll and other companies in the region.

Last year, Christchurch driver Kat Hall was behind the two fundraising calendars that were produced, one for the North Island and one for the South, raising about $1000 for the foundation. This year Judith Roessink and Nicki Cameron from the Australasia Female Truckies Facebook page are organising the calendar. Judith herself is a cancer survivor, having had two lumpectomies in the 90s and 2002.

Photo: As the classic turn of phrase says ‘less is more‘. Manawatu girls doing their bit for breast cancer research.

“Nicki suggested a slightly different slant on this year‘s calendar, along the lines of the original Calendar Girls movie shots with a little bit more exposure of what we‘re trying to beat – breast cancer,” said Judith. “We want to be around to see our kids and grandchildren grow up.” The call was put out in May for suitable shots for this year‘s calendar, which will sell for $25, with $5 from each sale going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “A whole lot of ladies are doing photos for the calendar,” said Amanda.

“There will be 12 photos from around the country of women from the industry.” Amanda said she put out a mayday call on Facebook for women to be in the Manawatu photo and was blown away by the support she got. “Each of the women involved has friends who have had cancer and they all jumped at the chance to get together and do something like this.” The calendars will be on sale in time for Christmas, and we will keep you updated on when and where they can be purchased.