The Ulan West and Ulan Surface Operations mines have set their target on raising a total of $30,000 during what is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

To promote the cause staff have officially been dressed in the pink for the month, including the purchase of pink hard hats that has also helped raise money. 

The inspiration behind the fundraising idea came from Ulan West operator Adrian Rogers.

Mr Rogers decided earlier this year to wear a pink helmet to work in memory of his younger sister, who passed away two years ago. His inspiration to back this particular cause came from her, as her favourite colour was pink. 

When he asked his colleagues about turning his personal gesture into a broader fund-raising initiative, Adrian was overwhelmed by the response. 

“The number of hats at Ulan West quickly went from just one to 265, while at Ulan Surface Operations Kate Gyler has organised another 160, all of which have been purchased in just over two weeks,” Mr Rogers said. 

“We’ve now raised about $22,000 and are well on the way to reaching our $30,000 target.”

All money raised, will be used to assist the McGrath Foundation in increasing breast cancer awareness and also to fund more nurses to look after and support breast cancer patients and families.

“It’s a wonderful cause that’s close to everyone’s hearts because we all have a mum, sister, wife, daughter or partner who may be, or may have been, affected by breast cancer at some stage,” Adrian said.

“It has actually become a real community event, with a number of local businesses also getting involved.” 

Apart from contributions across each of the Ulan mine sites, some large donations have also been received from local contracting companies and local businesses.

The pink hard hats are being sourced through local Ulan business, Furneys, who have more available to anyone who’d like to support the initiative and also wear a pink helmet for the month of October.

Anyone who would like to get behind the cause and help raise the needed funds for the McGrath Foundation can do so by making a donation online at either of the following websites: http://bit.ly/GMk3wG or http://bit.ly/GMk4Rf

Local business support fundraiser

GlencoreXstrata’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser is supported by Thinkwater Mudgee, A1 Earthworx Mining and Civil, Country Physiotherapy, GRT Mining PTY Limited, Print Storm - design, print & web, Mudgee PIRTEK Services PTY Limited, Country Health and Fitness, Focus Electrical Contractors, Gillham & Sons Pty Ltd, Insight Supervisory & Training Services, P & A Engineering, B & G Electrical, Mid-West Mining, Hunter Industrial Ceramics Pty Ltd, TRC Concrete Pty Ltd, Strait Up Services Pty Ltd, GSH Earthmoving, Dragan Resources Pty Ltd, S.A. Sim Engineering, CE Mining Services Pty Ltd.