Sue Richards' Blog: Breast of Canada Calendar
September 19, 2006
For Immediate Release
Guelph, Ontario
6Th Annual Breast of Canada Calendar Supports Breast Health
We can run, walk and paddle for the cure, but what can we do to help educate women about breast health and breast cancer prevention?
In the winter of 2001, social entrepreneur and artist Sue Richards googled the search term “breast health” after having a discussion on breast health issues with a girlfriend. Realizing her lack of knowledge, Richards wanted to learn more.
“Imagine my surprise and shock when nothing came up. Instead the prompt asked, ”Do you mean breast cancer?” says Richards.
After further research, Richards determined that there were very few resources available for the eight out of nine women who did not have breast cancer. She decided to fill that void with her own unique twist on the nude calendar idea made popular by The Women of Rylston in Great Britain. The breast health and breast cancer prevention calendar Breast of Canada was born.
By including editorial content on subjects ranging from how negative body image can impact breast health, hormone replacement therapy, breastfeeding and the safety of beauty care products, the calendar reads like a proactive breast owner’s manual. Sepia toned, fine art images of topfree, volunteer models grace the pages. Breast-related trivia, original haiku’s, quotes, breast self-examination instructions and a plethora of dates round out the effort.
An annual photo contest delivers images to Richards’ inbox from across the country. The shared creative vision of the photo contest gives women the opportunity to directly bring ideas of breast health to other women, using photography as the medium.
After six years of publication, the Breast of Canada calendar has not proven to be a strong fundraiser, but is clearly an excellent educational tool. As proof of the calendar’s value, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network has remained steady, strong and supportive of this grassroots initiative for the past five years.
“Last year, close to 2,500 calendars were purchased. If each one is put up on the wall for the year, the owner, their friends, family, co-workers and clients will have a chance to be introduced to its educational message. That’s got to be worth something,” claims Richards.
The 2007 Breast of Canada calendar is now available in select stores and on-line at www.breastofcanada.com.
For Interviews:
Breast of Canada: Sue Richards (519) 767-0142
Canadian Breast Cancer Network: Jackie Manthorne (800)-685-8820
Website: Breast of Canada
Blog: Calendar Girl
Flickr: Calendar Covers 2002 -2007
Coming Up:
6th Annual Breast of Canada Launch and Art Auction
Date and Time: Friday September 29, 2006, 8pm.
Location: The Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan Street, Guelph
Admission: $5.00
Tags: , Blog Guelph middle of normal, Sue Richards Blog
For Immediate Release
Guelph, Ontario
6Th Annual Breast of Canada Calendar Supports Breast Health
We can run, walk and paddle for the cure, but what can we do to help educate women about breast health and breast cancer prevention?
In the winter of 2001, social entrepreneur and artist Sue Richards googled the search term “breast health” after having a discussion on breast health issues with a girlfriend. Realizing her lack of knowledge, Richards wanted to learn more.
“Imagine my surprise and shock when nothing came up. Instead the prompt asked, ”Do you mean breast cancer?” says Richards.
After further research, Richards determined that there were very few resources available for the eight out of nine women who did not have breast cancer. She decided to fill that void with her own unique twist on the nude calendar idea made popular by The Women of Rylston in Great Britain. The breast health and breast cancer prevention calendar Breast of Canada was born.
By including editorial content on subjects ranging from how negative body image can impact breast health, hormone replacement therapy, breastfeeding and the safety of beauty care products, the calendar reads like a proactive breast owner’s manual. Sepia toned, fine art images of topfree, volunteer models grace the pages. Breast-related trivia, original haiku’s, quotes, breast self-examination instructions and a plethora of dates round out the effort.
An annual photo contest delivers images to Richards’ inbox from across the country. The shared creative vision of the photo contest gives women the opportunity to directly bring ideas of breast health to other women, using photography as the medium.
After six years of publication, the Breast of Canada calendar has not proven to be a strong fundraiser, but is clearly an excellent educational tool. As proof of the calendar’s value, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network has remained steady, strong and supportive of this grassroots initiative for the past five years.
“Last year, close to 2,500 calendars were purchased. If each one is put up on the wall for the year, the owner, their friends, family, co-workers and clients will have a chance to be introduced to its educational message. That’s got to be worth something,” claims Richards.
The 2007 Breast of Canada calendar is now available in select stores and on-line at www.breastofcanada.com.
For Interviews:
Breast of Canada: Sue Richards (519) 767-0142
Canadian Breast Cancer Network: Jackie Manthorne (800)-685-8820
Website: Breast of Canada
Blog: Calendar Girl
Flickr: Calendar Covers 2002 -2007
Coming Up:
6th Annual Breast of Canada Launch and Art Auction
Date and Time: Friday September 29, 2006, 8pm.
Location: The Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan Street, Guelph
Admission: $5.00
Tags: , Blog Guelph middle of normal, Sue Richards Blog
posted by Sue Richards at 11:52 AM
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