The initial target by Golden West Automotive was to raise $10,000 in 6 days for the Pink Angels, a figure that while welcome, seemed almost impossible, but on Monday staff at the dealership handed over $18,518 to the local charity.
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The women at Pink Angels support breast cancer patients throughout the central west, including Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Warren, Nevertire, Nyngan, Girilambone, Cobar, Brewarrina, Bourke, Lightning Ridge, Coonamble, Gilgandra and Gulargambone.
The idea of raising funds to support Pink Angels came from wanting to give back to the community, Golden West Automotive dealer principal Danny Russell said.
“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer or breast cancer.. including people here (at the dealership).. so it was something good to get involved in,” he said.
Mr Russell said with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they wanted to do something that was local.
“Charity begins at home,” he said.
“It was a huge team effort, all the sales staff were involved with coming up with fundraising concepts.”
Some of those ideas included a cocktail party and women on wheels event which saw local women learn about car maintenance and safety at Golden West Automotive.
Staff at the dealership also dyed their hair pink.
Mr Russell said the generosity of the community in donating to the cause was amazing and by smashing the initial target he hopes it can become an annual fundraising event.
Pink Angels president Sue Gavenlock said she and the other 33 members were “speechless” when they heard Golden West Automotive had raised over $18,000.
“We were very humbled and grateful,” she said.
Pink Angels was formed in 2011 and provide products and services to breast cancer patients through accommodation, housekeeping, lawn and yard maintenance, meals, childcare, prosthetics and medical devices, travel costs and care packs.
“We’re very fortunate the community has embraced us so much,” she said.
“One hundred per cent of donations and fundraising goes directly to helping patients and stays in the local area.
“Our aim at Pink Angels is to provide practical care for patients.”