GOING VIRTUAL: Pink Ribbon volunteers for the Irish Cancer Society, Kathrina Breen and Eleanor O'Doherty, are calling on the public to support their virtual event this year. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

The Irish Cancer Society is appealing for online donations after their Pink Ribbon sales in Kerry, which raise funds for services for people affected by breast cancer, have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Irish Cancer Society are asking for online donations to help address the shortfall as a result of the cancellation. Each year, the dedicated fundraisers look forward to doing their bit in the local community, bringing some colour to the streets in support of services and research for breast cancer services and it’s disappointing for everyone that this won’t be happening this year, but you can still help.

Money raised from the sale of Pink Ribbons helps to fund life-saving cancer research and free support services locally for people affected by breast cancer.

“Every year, we come together to sell Pink Ribbons to support breast cancer patients," Kathrina Breen from Killarney, a Pink Ribbon volunteer for the Irish Cancer Society, said.

"The support is always amazing, everyone is so generous. We are so disappointed to not be out on the streets this year, but we want to encourage everyone to please show their support breast cancer to patients by donating online at cancer.ie to get their digital pink ribbon this year."

Rosemary Simmons, National Fundraising Lead at the Irish Cancer Society added "unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have had to cancel our street sales across Kerry this year".

"We are asking members of the public to show their support by donating to the Irish Cancer Society online at www.cancer.ie/donate or call 1850 60 60 60 to ensure we can continue to meet increased demand for support from people affected by breast cancer. With your help we can be there to ensure no one has to face breast cancer alone. Your donation will directly help provide free care and support for breast cancer patients and their loved ones across Ireland."

Kathrina added that volunteers can organise their own events online.
"If anyone wants to help out by holding a virtual event they can contact me on 087 2612992."