Australia vs India: McGrath Foundation Launches Virtual Pink Seats To Raise Funds During Sydney Test

In the lead up to the iconic Pink Test, the McGrath Foundation is calling on Australia to help keep the 'pink' in the Pink Test by buying virtual Pink seats to help raise $1 million to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses. Unveiled on Tuesday, the virtual Pink Seats campaign has been developed in response to a reduced crowd at the SCG. Cricket Australia (CA), in an official release, said that by purchasing virtual Pink Seats, people right across Australia can get involved in the Pink Test no matter where they are, "either at the ground or watching from home."

"With breast cancer now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia1, every virtual Pink Seat sold will help the McGrath Foundation towards the goal of funding seven McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who will support 700 Australian families going through breast cancer," Cricket Australia said.

Glenn McGrath, co-founder and president of McGrath Foundation, is asking people from across Australia to show their support for people with breast cancer by buying virtual Pink Seats.

"The Pink Test has become a national phenomenon and we always look forward to seeing people pinking up with our bandanas to help bathe the SCG in pink as a symbolic show of support for those experiencing breast cancer and raising much-needed funds for the McGrath Foundation. But the reality is the Pink Test will look a little bit different this year. There will be less people in the crowd and sadly, we won't have our much-loved volunteers on the ground collecting donations," McGrath said in a statement.

"We're hoping people will buy their virtual Pink Seats to show their support because pink is more than just a colour -- it's the energy, the hope and the support that comes from going pink that makes a difference to people with breast cancer. By buying virtual Pink Seats, not only will you be helping to keep the 'pink' in the Pink Test, you'll also be showing your support for those families experiencing breast cancer. It's a simple, easy way everyone can get involved, whether they're at the SCG or watching from home," he added.

Recognised as one of the biggest charitable sporting events in the world over the last 13 years, the Pink Test partnership between the McGrath Foundation, Cricket Australia and the SCG Trust symbolises the best in the sport coming together to make a difference to those living with breast cancer.

Holly Masters, McGrath Foundation CEO, reiterated the important work of McGrath Breast Care Nurses and why the Pink Test remains a critical fundraising opportunity for the McGrath Foundation.

"Many people don't realise it costs us over $14 million per year to fund our network of 154 McGrath Breast Care Nurses, so the money raised from the Pink Test is integral to help us keep providing support to those 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Our McGrath Breast Care Nurses have continued to play a vital role in supporting families experiencing breast cancer in this last year, particularly as they help patients navigate the additional challenges of COVID-19," she said.

"We are so grateful for the continued support of the cricket community, Cricket Australia and the SCG and we hope everyone will get involved and help keep the 'pink' in the Pink Test by buying their virtual Pink Seats from pinktest.com.au," Holly added. 

Topics mentioned in this article

Australia Cricket Team India Cricket Team Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney Australia vs India 2020-21 Cricket Australia vs India, 3rd Test