FAQs

Big Pink Breakfast

What is the Big Pink Breakfast and where do the funds raised go?

The Big Pink Breakfast is a coffee morning with a big difference, and every euro raised will go a long way. It is taking place from 6th to 12th October, and we’d love you to be part of it!

By hosting a Big Pink Breakfast, you’ll directly help to fund:  

• Ground-breaking breast cancer research
• Advice, support, and guidance with our freephone Support Line and Daffodil Centres
• Free transport services for patients to and from their treatment sessions
• Free counselling for breast cancer patients

How can I sign up to host a Big Pink Breakfast?

Sign up here to host your very own Big Pink Breakfast! You have the power to change the lives of people with breast cancer now – and into the future.   

When can I host a Big Pink Breakfast?

Our Big Pink Breakfast week takes place from the 6th -12th October. If this week doesn’t suit you, that’s fine – you can host your Big Pink Breakfast any time in October!

What kind of event can a Big Pink Breakfast be?

Hosting your Big Pink Breakfast couldn’t be any easier! Grab your friends, family or colleagues and enjoy a tasty breakfast or a coffee morning, all in support of breast cancer patients and their families.  

Feel free to get creative! Hosting your own event gives you the power to have whatever event you feel will suit your friends, family and community best.  

Sign up today and find some fun ideas in our fundraising toolkit! 

What impact does Big Pink Breakfast have?

The Irish Cancer Society typically receives 5% of its income from the Government, so it’s thanks to the generosity of our wonderful donors, fundraisers and volunteers that we can provide services and support to ensure nobody in Ireland faces breast cancer alone.

• €30 can help provide transport for a breast cancer patient to and from their chemotherapy treatment using the Irish Cancer Society’s Transport Service. 

• €50 can help provide vital clinical equipment for an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse. 

• €55 will help pay for the cost of one hour of Night Nursing, providing end-of-life care to a patient in their own home. 

• €60 will cover the cost of a counselling session to help a person cope with a breast cancer diagnosis in their life.  

• €455 will cover the cost of one night of Night Nursing, providing end-of-life care to a breast cancer patient in their own home. 

Your generosity has the power to provide life-saving treatment and vital support services for people with breast cancer – now and into the future.  You can make your donation here.

Are there other ways I can support the campaign?

Absolutely! There are many other ways you can get involved and raise funds to support breast cancer patients this October.  

These include: 

• Selling pink ribbon pins – Selling pink ribbon pins - Sign up to sell a box of pins and help raise breast cancer awareness at work or support breast cancer patients in your community.
• Shave or Dye – Why not brave the shave or dye your hair pink to raise funds! 
• Sober October – Go booze-free this October. You can do two weeks, three weeks or the whole month, it’s up to you! 
• Hold your own event – Have a different fundraiser in mind? Reach out to us at fundraising@irishcancer.ie and let us know what you are planning! 

Can I donate without hosting an event?

If hosting a Big Pink Breakfast doesn’t suit you this year, don’t worry! You can make your donation here.  

Your donation has the power to provide life-saving treatment and vital support services for people with breast cancer – now and into the future. 

Are there any resources or toolkits available to help me host?

Once you sign up, you’ll receive our free fundraising resources and toolkit to help you plan your event. 

How do I contact the fundraising team?

If you have any queries, questions, or just need some general fundraising guidance, our team would be delighted to hear from you. You can get in touch by phoning 0818 10 20 30 or by emailing fundraising@irishcancer.ie.

Why is fundraising for breast cancer patients so important?  

Almost 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Ireland. It is one of the most common cancers in Ireland.  

By hosting a Big Pink Breakfast this October, you will be directly supporting people affected by the disease and funding vital breast cancer research, free care, counselling and transport for breast cancer patients.  

What is the percentage of donations used for charitable expenditure?

For every euro spent by the Society, 74c (2023: 75c) went on charitable activities (not including trading activities). A further 26c (2023: 25c) was spent by the Society to raise money to fund its charitable activities. This increase was due to an increased investment in the Society’s national campaigns and individual giving campaigns.

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and how can I be breast aware?

It is important that everyone be breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for you, so that you can spot any changes. While breast cancer is more common in women over 50, those under 50 can also be affected.    

For more information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, visit: https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast-cancer

Where can cancer patients get further information?  

Anyone with concerns or questions about breast cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700, email supportline@irishcancer.ie  or visit our main website, https://www.cancer.ie.

Before registering

I want to fundraise; how do I get involved?

Thank you for your interest in raising money for The Irish Cancer Society. The first step to fundraising is choosing your idea. Whether you’re looking for a sporty challenge, want to put your skills or hobbies to use, or just bring everyone together for a bit of fun, there’s something for everyone. Check out our fundraising ideas page for inspiration.

How do I register my fundraising event?

Getting started is easy! You can register for any of our always on fundraising events online. Visit our homepage to see what we have available at the moment. If you have your own fundraising idea, you can use our online form to submit your proposal.

I am under 17, can I fundraise for The Irish Cancer Society?

Yes of course, we’d love for you to fundraise! You can sign up by contacting our fundraising team directly at fundraising@irishcancer.ie.

How do I contact the fundraising team?

Should you need to contact us for any reason you can reach our team by calling 0818 10 20 30 or by emailing fundraising@irishcancer.ie.

EPF SPECIFIC Q: Once we have reviewed and approved your activity, a member of the fundraising team will contact you directly to confirm authorisation and ensure you have everything you need. Alternatively, you can contact a member of the team by phoning 0818 10 20 30 or by emailing fundraising@irishcancer.ie 

How will the money I raise be used?

The funds you kindly raise will be used to provide free information, care and support to people across Ireland who are affected by cancer. The Irish Cancer Society typically receives only 5% of our income from the Government so it is thanks to our amazing donors, fundraisers and volunteers that we are able to provide services and support to help ensure that nobody in Ireland has to face cancer alone. For more information on our services please visit www.cancer.ie 

Can The Irish Cancer Society promote my event?

We would be delighted to share your fundraiser on our Team Irish Cancer Society page. Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests we cannot guarantee sharing on our other social media accounts. You can also promote your event by creating an online fundraising page and sharing it with on your own channels, tagging us #TeamIrishCancerSociety or directly with your friends, family, and colleagues etc. 

Planning your fundraiser event

Can I get fundraising materials?

Should you need fundraising materials feel free to get in touch via email fundraising@irishcancer.ie or call us on 0818 10 20 30.

Can I use The Irish Cancer Society Logo for my fundraising event?

Yes, you may use our ‘to benefit’ logo if you are fundraising for The Irish Cancer Society. This is different from the main charity logo, and makes it clear you are fundraising in aid of The Irish Cancer Society. Download our logo here.

Do I need a licence to hold a raffle?

Small raffles do not require a lottery license provided ticket sales and the announcement of results take place during the event and there are no cash prizes. Larger raffles, lotteries and prize draws are all governed by legislation and will be subject to a Lottery License under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956. If you are unsure what legal permits or license may be required, you can contact your local Garda station for guidance.

Do I need a permit for my event?

Fundraising is all about having fun while raising money for a good cause, but you should remember that it is also subject to certain legal requirements. It is the responsibility of you the Fundraiser to obtain all the necessary permits associated with the event from the Gardai, your local council, or from owners of private property etc. If you are unsure what legal permits or license may be required, you can contact your local Garda station for guidance or get in touch with our fundraising team.

Do I need public liability Insurance for my event?

If you are running or hosting your own fundraising event you should seek independent insurance advice prior to organising your event. The Irish Cancer Society accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury caused during the event you undertake. The Society’s insurance does not cover property or the property of your helpers or guests, nor does it cover your personal liability for any injury suffered by yourself or your event participants. 

Can you provide something official to say that I am fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society?

Yes, we can provide a letter of authorisation confirming that approval has been granted by The Irish Cancer Society for you to conduct fundraising activities on our behalf.

What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising target?

Don’t worry — every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in our mission to go all in against cancer.  

Setting a target enables you to plan strategically for achieving your fundraising goal. If you don’t reach your target, that’s okay. What matters most is the effort you’ve put in and the support you’ve gathered.

After your event

Can The Irish Cancer Society promote my event?

There are lots of ways to lodge the funds, including bank transfer, posting in a cheque/ bank draft to our head office. You can also donate funds raised online/over the phone via credit/debit card. If you set up an online fundraising page, then you don’t need to do anything further. The funds from your page will come directly to us.

Lodge your funds here

Can The Irish Cancer Society promote my event?

We can facilitate presentations in our Head Office in Dublin. Requests outside of this are subject to the availability of our representatives. It is important that the funds raised from your event are lodged and received by the Society prior to the presentation taking place. Reach out to our fundraising team if you'd like to discuss this.

Shave or dye

When can I host my event?

Any time that suits you! We just recommend you give yourself enough time beforehand to fundraise and raise awareness for your event.

Can I ask for extra materials for my Shave or Dye?

Of course, just get in contact with our fundraising team fundraising@irishcancer.ie or call us on 0818 10 20 30 and we can help organise any additional materials you might need!

Do I have to shave my head?

It is entirely up to you. The fun of Shave or Dye is that you can pick however you change your hairstyle yourself! Whether it is shaving you head or putting in a pink streak, let your creativity shine.

Marathon in a month

Is there a specific month I must do my marathon in a month?

No. You can choose whatever time of year suits best for your fundraiser.

The weather is very bad, what if I miss a day?

Your safety is our priority, so please do not put yourself at any risk whilst undertaking your Marathon in a Month challenge. We also advise you that, even in good weather, please ensure you are visible on your walking or running route by using reflective clothing.

How do I track my walks / runs?

You can input your distances on your fundraising page directly, you can find more information here, or else you can track either via your own device you may have available (for example FitBit, iWatch or a movement tracker app of your choice on your phone) or by using one of our downloadable trackers found on your resources page.

Will somebody be checking how far I walk?

No. How far you push yourself for your challenge is entirely up to you! We appreciate all your efforts. 💪🙏