This was another cultural experience for each of these young men who are from Malaysia, China and North Korea.

Each shared their amazement having never experienced anything like the “sea of pink”; the crowd of over 2000 competitors supported by their family and friends, who all joined together and committed to this very special event.

This event was started 16 years ago by Dr Margaret Gardiner, Illawarra GP and ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) who lost her battle with cancer in March this year.

This was the first year the Rotary Club of Wollongong provided a barbecue to support and join with the organising team led by Grant Plecas, NSW Cancer Council Southern Region Community Engagement Manager, a very close friend of Dr Margaret Gardiner and others including stallholders, rides and the local community to celebrate an amazing life ambassador who has been an inspiration to all.

It was a very emotional time, especially when entertainer Scott Radburn sang “You Raise Me Up” as competitors lined up to begin their run and walk which included many Rotarians and their families from the local clubs.

The next Rotary Club of Wollongong event is on May 28,  from 2pm-8pm to celebrate the Australia & New Zealand Botanic Garden Open Day.

Check out the website - http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/botanicgarden/whatson/Pages/bgentscalendar.aspx for details about the range of activities, the detailed program throughout the afternoon concluding with a free screening of Before the Flood, a National Geographic film about climate change featuring Leonardo DiCaprio.

For further information about Rotary and any of the events of the local clubs, contact Dot Hennessy on 0412 120 314 or email – dothennessy@gmail.com.

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.