CBC think pink

Pink shirts and socks will be donned by Kalgoorlie’s CBC Hockey Club this weekend, when they play their annual breast cancer awareness matches.

Saturday, May 15 will consist of four senior matches, in which the sides will ditch their traditional red, white and blue strip to fundraise for breast cancer research organisations.

Club stalwarts Susan MacDonald and Kane Robinson brought the idea about in 2019, shortly after both of their mothers passed due to breast cancer.

Mrs MacDonald, whose mother Pauline Carter passed in June 2018, said the day is very close to her heart, and that other associations should follow suit by fundraising wherever they can.

“Wouldn't it be great if other associations got involved?” she said.

“They don't have to go all out and design shirts like we have, they can just wear pink socks.”

Mrs Carter was a life member of CBC and the Eastern Goldfields Hockey Association, and was involved in hockey, softball, squash and golf, while running a sports equipment shop, Goldfields Sport and Leisure.

The matches also aim to continue the legacy of Gai Robinson, who tragically passed in 2019 and was a co-founder of the Something Pink fundraiser, which aimed to raise funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Research Centre.

Mrs McDonald said the day is important to not only her, but all of those in the club whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.

“I just want to raise more awareness for such an unforgiving disease and want to make her proud,” she said.

“This round means so much, not just to me but to many people.

“Our club has had its fair share of cancer stories so anything we can do to help, no matter how big or small, is amazing.

Ex-Kalgoorlie local Kristy Harwood began playing at the club in 2002 and fought stage two breast cancer from 2019 until late 2020.

Mrs Harwood was a part of seven A1 women’s premierships, either in a playing or a coaching role, and said the club’s community is one that can’t be beat.

“Kalgoorlie is a transit town, people come and go, but everyone who comes to that club is part of a family,” she said.

“If one person hurts, everybody hurts with them.”

Mrs MacDonald attributes the success of the day to the backing of local businesses and says the fundraising effort will continue again this year.

“Sportspower Kalgoorlie kindly donated the Pink socks this year, so $15 from every pair of socks sold is being donated to Breast Cancer,” she said.

“Every CBC person that plays seniors will wear them, that’s 62 pairs of socks.

“We also have money tins that will be around the stadium on the day, that people can donate to.”

Mrs Harwood, who left Kalgoorlie in 2016 to relocate with her family to Perth, stresses the importance of locals getting around the day and what it stands for.

“The day is about raising awareness, and a tribute to those they have lost, but also a reminder for everyone to make sure their loved ones are getting frequent checks.”