By Stephanie Kenez
BREAST cancer and financial disadvantage were put in the spotlight at a free event for women last month.
A morning tea providing information about finance was held at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Cranbourne as part of what was deemed ‘women’s month’ by Westpac.
Local branch manager Lee-Anne West organised the event, with the aim of educating women about financial strategies while raising money for breast cancer.
“Often people are quite sceptical about banks, but there was no real catch and anyone could attend regardless of where they banked,” Ms West said.
Ms West also organised a high-tea in Mount Eliza, with both events raising money for breast cancer through the sale of pink ribbon merchandise.
“Both events were well attended, with about 30 people at each event,” she said.
“We raised around $500 overall, and all the feedback we’ve received indicates that it was a huge success.”
Financial planner Jennifer Warwick and financial development manager Joe Eapen volunteered their time at the event to explain how women could overcome financial disadvantage.
“They presented interesting facts such as that women earn half as much super as men,” Ms West said. “It was all about educating women about the gap and introducing them to financial strategies.”
Ms West said Westpac hopes to run more women’s events in the future, with plans to run another one in March to celebrate International Women’s Day.
