Ahead of the iconic Vodafone Ashes Pink Test, the McGrath Foundation is calling on Australians to help make this the ‘pinkest’ Ashes by buying 240,000 Virtual Pink Seats to ensure more than 3,400 individuals and families experiencing breast cancer will have the support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse this year.
Announced today at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Virtual Pink Seat campaign is back by popular demand for the second year. The campaign allows everyone, no matter whether they’re watching from the ground, at home or overseas to come together in support of people with breast cancer, while raising money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia.
2022 marks the 14th year of the annual Pink Test at the SCG, with Day 3 renamed Jane McGrath Day in honour of the late Jane McGrath. Last year, the McGrath Foundation, Cricket Australia and the SCG again came together to turn the SCG pink, raising a record-breaking $3.2 million with the inaugural Virtual Pink Seat campaign.
Glenn McGrath, McGrath Foundation Co-Founder and President, said the money raised from the sale of Virtual Pink Seats is integral in ensuring the McGrath Foundation can support the 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
“The past two years have been full of uncertainty for us all, but there’s no doubt that for people living with breast cancer things continue to be even more challenging,” he said.
“Last year the Virtual Pink Seats allowed fans to be part of the Pink Test even though crowds were restricted. While we’d love to all be coming together to celebrate and unite in support like we once could, things remain challenging.
“What we can do is unite in pink. We’ve always said pink is more than a colour. To us, pink is an attitude. It’s a show of support for people with breast cancer, not only at the SCG, but right around Australia and beyond, and we saw just how powerful that can be last year”, McGrath continued.
“This year no matter whether you’re at the ground, staying at home, ‘stuck in iso’, or watching from overseas, we want your help to create an Ashes Pink-wash by buying a Virtual Pink Seat and sharing it across your socials to show support for families experiencing breast cancer.”
“Last year we didn’t know what to expect and Australia overwhelmed us with support, buying 150,000 seats. This year we’re anticipating even greater support, so we’ve built a stadium with 240,000 Virtual Pink Seats. That will make this the ‘pinkest’ Ashes and help us ensure no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse,” he said.
Holly Masters, McGrath Foundation CEO, thanked people across Australia who have continued to support the McGrath Foundation in what has been a challenging year for so many.
“Our McGrath Breast Care Nurses play a vital role in supporting people through breast cancer, particularly as they help patients navigate the additional challenges of the pandemic, and we couldn’t continue to fund them without the generous support we get from across Australia.”
“The money raised through our Virtual Pink Seat campaign is integral in ensuring we can continue to fund our 171 McGrath Breast Care Nurses who are providing care and support to families experiencing breast cancer right around Australia, as well as placing more nurses in areas that need them most.”
Marnus Labuschagne, Australian Test Cricketer, said the atmosphere at the Pink Test is unlike anything else.
“I love the fact that buying a Virtual Pink Seats gives everyone a chance to get involved in a great cause and experience what the Pink Test is all about, while supporting people impacted by breast cancer,” Marnus said.
Cricket Australia CEO, Nick Hockley said, “The Pink Test at the SCG is a highlight of the year for the team and it has now become one of the biggest charitable sporting events in the world. We encourage everyone to get behind the campaign this year so that together we can make a difference and provide more McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses to the community.”
Venues NSW CEO, Kerrie Mather said, “We’re proud that support for the McGrath Foundation now extends far beyond our wonderful old ground. The Virtual Pink Seat campaign takes the great work of the McGrath Foundation to a whole new level and continues the legacy of Jane McGrath and the Sydney Pink Test.”
You can purchase virtual Pink Seats for $20 by jumping onto pinktest.com.au. Or if you’re at the SCG make a donation to receive a limited-edition Vodafone Ashes Pink Test 2022 bandana with your Virtual Pink Seat.
Single, double and group Virtual Pink Seats are available that you can personalise and share with #PinkestAshes.
Visit pinktest.com.au to find out all the ways you can get involved in the 2022 Pink Test to support the McGrath Foundation.
