By Danielle Kutchel
The ladies of Balla Balla Community Centre are rallying behind each other this month, getting down low to raise funds for an important cause.
The centre has put together a team for The 55 Squat Challenge, completing 55 squats a day throughout March to recognise the 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every single day.
Dubbed the ‘Balla Balla Brave Butts’, the ladies are holding each other to the effort, squatting together to keep motivation up.
Centre manager Maree Cullinan said the fundraiser was a good way for the team to give back to one of their favourite causes, after Covid forced them to abandon their traditional Biggest Morning Tea in 2020.
“We thought, ‘what else can we do to make a contribution?’” she explained.
“We’re dedicated to each other and the cause – I can guarantee we’re all doing it.”
The fundraiser ties in with other initiatives supported by the Community Centre, which also hosted the mobile breast screening clinic earlier in the year.
“We first started hosting it a couple of years ago when it was first indicated that screening rates in the area are low,” Ms Cullinan said.
“Since then, they’ve had good numbers [attending the van]. It’s very important that every woman and man is checked if they feel there are any issues.”
It’s the centre’s first fundraiser since reopening after the Covid lockdowns.
So far, the Brave Butts have raised over $1800 – well in excess of their target of $1500.
“Anytime you walk into the centre now you see us doing squats, which looks weird!” Ms Cullinan laughed.
And the fundraiser has had some, ahem, peachy results in other ways.
“We’re amazed at how much further we can squat now. When we started we were doing eight, that was our limit, but now we can do 25 in a set,” she said.
“It’s looking after our physical and mental health while helping others in the long term.”
She called on the community to rally behind the Brave Butts and support the cause.
“If we can make it easier for a man or woman going through this, then we need to.
“Treatments are getting better every year, but we want a cure!”
To donate, visit https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/BallaBallaBraveButts3596
