Linda Slade brought Weethalle together to raise over $15,000

Linda Slade was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer four years ago and is now in remission. She was challenged to bring the campaign to Weethalle by a fellow survivor she met.

She brought together local businesses and communities such as the Weethalle Country Club, the Royal Hotel and Weethalle public school. While the initial goal was to raise $2000, the community rallied strongly and raised $15,324 in just nine days.

The centrepiece of the nine-day campaign was a 'Shave and Colour' night held at the Royal Hotel. Locals volunteered to shave their heads or dye their hair, with some offering to colour their beards or moustaches as well.

Ms Slade said she never expected the town to get behind the idea so strongly.

"I just wanted to turn our town pink, so I just approached all the businesses and we raised over $7000 at the pub in just one night," she said.

"There were just hundreds of people who donated. Some of the local girls made a pink bra tree outside ... It wasn't meant to be this big, I'm just in shock at how big it turned out."

READ MORE

She was excited about the possibility of the event to become an annual fundraiser and is certainly hoping to put something similar on for next year.

Ms Slade was heartened to see entire families getting behind the foundation. She particularly commended the Studholme family, who gathered three generations to dye and shave their hair.

With the town supporting the cause so strongly, Ms Slade must truly be 'tickled pink.'

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: