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25th September 2024
09:32am BST
This year’s event invites bakers of all skill levels to create pink-themed treats, raising funds for Ireland's leading breast cancer charity.
The fundraising campaign will officially kick off on September 24th, with households, community groups, and businesses across Ireland encouraged to participate in raising money for critical education and outreach programmes.
These programmes emphasise the importance of early detection by highlighting the eight key signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
This year’s initiative comes with an exciting new feature: schools are being invited to join the campaign.
A School’s Bake-Off Kit, designed specifically for participating schools, is available free of charge, offering students a fun way to get involved while raising awareness.
Last year’s Great Pink Bake Off was a resounding success, capturing the public’s imagination and raising an impressive €75,000.
The initiative, which helped fund crucial breast health awareness programmes, is set to grow even bigger this year.
The campaign is being spearheaded by Louise Lennox, renowned chef and children’s fussy eating expert, and Zeinab Elguzouli, a presenter from FM104 and Virgin Media.
Both ambassadors are committed to raising awareness and encouraging participation in this year’s effort.
Louise Lennox expressed her pride in supporting Breast Cancer Ireland through the Great Pink Bake Off, stating: “Some of my earliest and happiest childhood memories are of baking in my kitchen, and it's something I’ve proudly passed on to my children.
“It’s a fun way for children to build confidence, spark creativity, and learn about food. I'm honoured to be part of the Great Pink Bake Off this year and to support Breast Cancer Ireland in their mission to make breast cancer a treatable illness for ALL those affected.
“With one in seven women in Ireland impacted every year – we all know a family that this disease has touched.”
Breast Cancer Ireland’s CEO, Aisling Hurley, underscored the importance of community involvement in the campaign, emphasizing how it brings people together for a vital cause: "The Great Pink Bake Off is a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, have fun, and raise vital funds for our complimentary breast health awareness programmes.
“These initiatives play a crucial role in educating and supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer, and in ensuring early detection and awareness around the eight signs and symptoms of the disease."
She also highlighted how last year’s event garnered industry awards and that the goal for 2024 is to extend the campaign’s reach even further, particularly into primary and secondary schools nationwide.
With 3,700 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Ireland each year, Hurley stressed that spreading messages of early detection is more important than ever.
Dr. Oetker is once again the proud sponsor of the Great Pink Bake Off.
Kaylee Norris, Assistant Brand Manager at Dr. Oetker, expressed her enthusiasm for supporting the campaign: “October is a cosy time of year and one where we typically see an uplift in interest in home baking, so The Great Pink Bake Off is a lovely excuse to get together with friends and family for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“One of our key campaign messages at Dr. Oetker is ‘Little Makes a Big Difference’ and this couldn’t be more true. It’s a brilliant cause that we are all keen to support.”
How to Get Involved
Getting involved in the Great Pink Bake Off is simple. Aspiring bakers can download the Great Pink Bake Off Kit from the Breast Cancer Ireland website, which includes cake toppers, posters, and an easy-to-follow eight-recipe booklet.
Participants can then host their own bake-off with friends, family, or colleagues and raise much-needed ‘dough’ for a great cause.
Dr. Oetker ingredients for bake-off creations are available in Super Valu stores nationwide. Participants are also encouraged to share their baking success and follow campaign updates on Instagram via @droetkerbakingireland, @breastcancerireland, @louiselennox, and @zeinabofficial.
