When a beloved member of the Darwin Bowls & Social Club passed away from breast cancer, the Club decided to hold a pink day her honour. Six years later, the Di Weir Memorial Day is a key date on the club’s calendar.  

“We get about 60 or 70 people on the day,” says one of the day’s organisers Kathlyn Que Noy.  
“Pretty much everyone that attends plays a game, and we have a big barbecue. Any leftover food goes to the nuns who run a shelter for women and children.” 

The club also become a sea of pink as bowlers don pink shirts, while also adhering to a strict set of bowling ‘rules’.  

“If you are caught chatting to your opponent, you get a fine. If you have the wrong shoes on, you get a fine. It’s a fun thing to raise a few dollars,” she says.   

After lunch, the crowd settles in for a raffle and auction, with local businesses coming onboard to donate prizes in support. This year, an online auction was also held, which included items such as a signed and framed Sydney Swans jersey and footballs.  

“Locals are pretty good at coming together here in Darwin. I only approach businesses once a year and they’ve always been very good at giving,” says Kathryn.  

“After the event, we go round personally and give them a certificate thanking them for their donation so they can hang it in their business. I think it’s really important to go back and thank them, tell them about the day and give them a way to publicly show their support. Darwin is a small place; people tend to go to places that are supportive of the community.” 

Kathryn says anyone wanting to hold – or grow – their fundraiser should reach out to the team at the McGrath Foundation for advice. 

“They gave us all the information and told us what to do – they were brilliant,” she says. “For now, we’ll keep the fundraiser contained to one day, but who knows in the future!” 

And her favourite part of the day? “Watching people win things in the auction is great, they get a little bit excited!”  

Feeling inspired? Register to hold your own fundraiser here McGrath Foundation - Pink is the Colour and help ensure that no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.