Purple bras lift funding

Fly-in, fly-out workers across East Pilbara mine sites were out and about sporting an unusual piece of work wear, strapping on purple bras to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care WA.

The charity provides free social and financial support to West Australians affected by breast cancer and raises awareness of their work through their IGA Purple Bra Day.

Sodexo Health and Wellness manager Stephen Walls was responsible for organising participation across the accommodation sites his company operates near Newman and Tom Price.

He said it was hard to say how many people ended up taking part as workers were regularly out tin shaking at gates to sites and public auction events were held in local taverns.

“We had people at the gates sitting there with their bras on and tins, raising awareness and getting people donating as they’re on their way to work and so forth,” Mr Walls said.

“It is pretty well received on site and very much supported from both ends.”

The specially made purple bras had to be ordered from Breast Cancer Care WA and shipped to the mine sites a month in advance.

“We’ve still got quite a lot left over,” he said.

The most prominent fundraising event was a charity auction night at Yandicoogina mine site which featured former AFL coach Kevin Sheedy as a speaker.

The biggest sellers were a signed ACDC guitar which went for $1500 and replica ANZAC medals bought for $1150.