In October 2023, for Pink Month, Yarn proudly partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and Kombumerri and Butchulla artist Zowie Baumgart releasing the Boobie Sista collection to raise money for breast cancer research. After a hugely successful campaign, we’ve set a new goal this year to raise a further $10,000! We are donating $2 from every product sold in this collection to NBCF. Let’s see how much we can raise for world-class breast cancer research.
The pieces in this collection feature Zowie’s artwork ‘Boobie Sista’, a captivating blend of contemporary pink colours with Indigenous painting techniques. The painting tells the story of how a community rallies to support each other and was inspired by her best friend Kelly’s experience with Breast Cancer. Kelly was only 38 when she discovered a lump on her breast that lead to a diagnosis. Her first concern was for her young daughter, and how this might be difficult for her. Through the support of her friends and family Kelly was lucky enough to make a full recovery and was determined to share her story in the hopes it would encourage others to take care of their health.
This collection was created to raise funds and to promote awareness of techniques that help detect Breast Cancer. Self-examination is key to getting to know how your breasts normally look and feel. This can help you notice any changes that may require further examination. And if you’re over 40, regular breast screens can detect even earlier.
Breast Cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. In 2023, over 20,000 Australians were diagnosed with breast cancer (including around 200 men). Nearly a quarter of a million people are currently living with a diagnosis of breast cancer in Australia.
Since their inception in 1994, NBCF has invested over $200M into more than 600 world-class research projects across Australia. In this time, death rates from breast cancer in Australia have reduced by 40%. They’ve seen remarkable results, but the job's not done and your support makes a difference.
The pieces in this collection feature Zowie Baumgart’s artwork ‘Boobie Sista’. Through the symbols and colours, this artwork tells the story of how a community rallies to provide support when one of their sisters is going through a difficult time.
The name ‘Boobie Sista’ captures the sisterhood of female friendships and support networks. Zowie used a pink colour palette that echoes NBCF’s Pink Ribbon and the dark and light shades represent the good days and the bad days.
The piece was inspired by her best friend, Kelly, who was diagnosed 4 years ago: “We came up with this piece together. The circle represents the meeting space for all women up against this illness. The shapes around the circle represent the women and all the people that helped them through this rough time.”
Yarn is donating $2 to NBCF for each product sold from this limited-edition collection. We are proud to support NBCF’s vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Through the support of her friends and family Kelly was lucky enough to make a full recovery. She is passionate about sharing her story in the hopes it will raise breast cancer awareness and encourage others to prioritise their health. Zowie, Kelly, their children, and Kelly’s closest supporters can be seen in the photoshoot and video for the ‘Boobie Sista’ campaign. It’s their story, and they were proud to tell it. Find out more their story on the Yarn Blog
