Today the South Australia Police Academy and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens held the first ever ‘Pink Parade’ where Academy staff and recruits wore a pink ribbon on their hats during the morning parade to signal their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
So far, over $5600 has been raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation after Academy personnel banded together to support their colleagues and anyone within the South Australian community impacted by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month has particular significance to Probationary Constable Shannon who is currently undertaking her recruit training. “It’s a cause that’s very close to my heart. My Mum’s battled breast cancer for the last eight years and very recently just passed away from breast cancer”, said Probationary Constable Shannon.
After the loss of her Mum, Probationary Constable Shannon returned to the Academy to find members of Course 49 (of which she is a recruit) and Course 51 (of which Course Mentor Sergeant Packer is a breast cancer survivor) had initiated a number of fundraising activities.
Many morning teas, barbeques and cake stalls were held to raise funds. The recruits also organised a ‘Train the Trainer’ session where four Sergeant Trainers volunteered to go through a vigorous training session conducted by the highest bidding course. Course 51 cadets will also participate in a 55km row next week to represent the 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
“All academy personnel from senior management to training staff, recruits, sworn & Protective Security Officers have worked together to raise funds and show support for all within our community who continue to battle this insidious disease”, said Sergeant Jeff Wight.
Police Commissioner was proud to show his support at the Pink Parade, speaking of the cause being close to his heart due to his Mum’s breast cancer journey.
