Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness

The IAFF encourages affiliates to organize fundraising and awareness campaigns in support of the fight against breast and other cancers. Over the last several years, IAFF affiliates across North America have participated in events throughout October, prompting a movement to wear and sell pink T-shirts as part of their breast cancer awareness efforts.

Inspired by the success of these campaigns, in 2010, the IAFF passed a resolution that supports and encourages IAFF members to develop campaigns to benefit local and national organizations dedicated to finding a cure for cancer.

To assist affiliates in organizing their campaigns, the IAFF is again collaborating with Susan G. Komen to offer the “Passionately Pink for the Cure” campaign, which also benefits the IAFF Charitable Foundation.

In Canada, last year the IAFF partnered with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research through its CIBC Run for the Cure and other activities.

Alameda, CA Local 689 members support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Affiliates can support these cancer organizations or choose a national or local charity of their choice.

The IAFF offers various pink merchandise items, including lapel pins, bumper stickers, decals and shirts, through the IAFF Online Store.

Affiliates are urged to email photos and stories from their breast cancer awareness campaigns to passionatelypink@iaff.org. The November-December issue of the International Fire Fighter will include highlights from campaigns conducted by affiliates throughout the United States and Canada.

In addition, the IAFF will hold its third annual online “Best Pink T-shirt Design” contest beginning October 1. The contest is open to all U.S. and Canadian affiliates. Prizes include free registrations to the IAFF Vincent J. Bollon Affiliate Leadership Training Summit in January 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona, and the IAFF John P. Redmond Symposium/Dominick F. Barbera EMS Conference in August 2013 in Denver, Colorado. Details will be available on the IAFF web site beginning in September.