Snap-on’s latest pink partnership has raised over $200k for the fight against breast cancer – and netted tradies a few pretty pairs of tools for the workshop.
As part of the national breast cancer awareness campaign in October, Snap-on Tools joined hands with the McGrath Foundation on a mission to raise a quarter of a million dollars for the country’s continued fight against one of the nation’s most commonly diagnosed diseases, breast cancer.
But this campaign came with a surprising tradie twist. Fundraising would primarily be done by selling the company’s newly minted limited-edition Pink Tool Set – complete with prettied-up hammers, pliers, prybars, screwdriver sets, sheers, ratchets, and cutters.
While these pink versions might not be every tradie’s cup of tea, renowned professional race car driver and Snap-on Tools ambassador Matty Hill said the set was a great practical way for blokes to get on board with the cause that’s “impacted so many lives in Australia”.
“Breast cancer affects so many lives, and I’m honoured to use my platform in motorsports with Snap-on Tools to raise much-needed funds for the McGrath Foundation,” he said.
“This cause is deeply personal to me. My wife’s auntie battled breast cancer, and we lost her to this terrible disease. It’s a pain that so many families have faced.
Snap-on National Sales Manager Paul Lynch said that the pink partnership went “beyond business” to help Aussies tackle an issue that was near and dear to the company.
“As someone whose Mum has been affected by breast cancer, this partnership is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s about supporting families like mine who have faced the emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer,” he said.
“It’s a cause that hits home for many of us.”
Almost a month after first hitting store shelves, the campaign has raised already over $200,000 for the charity, with being put directly toward ensuring the best care for the thousands of Aussie families living with breast cancer after diagnosis.
Adam Wright, National Marketing and Product Manager at Snap-on Tools said that people have “rallied behind” the Socket to Breast Cancer initiative as all of their franchises and customers dug deep to raise the funding.
“We are so grateful to see such support and generosity in the local communities in which we operate,” he said.
“We feel fortunate to be part of the automotive community who are committed to making such a meaningful impact. Through the dedication of our franchisees and the support of our customers, we’re able to support the McGrath Foundation’s work to provide vital care to those in need”.
Funding for thousands of Australians
However, while the campaign has wrapped up for another year, the fight against breast cancer is far from over.
Every year, the incidence of breast cancer in Australia is increasing, with 20,973 women and 221 men expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 (that’s one in seven women diagnosed in their lifetime and 58 people diagnosed every day).
Whilst early detection is key as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women, McGrath Foundation director Tracey Bevan said that it was the ‘ripple effect’ that stretches through families and communities that often went overlooked.
And that’s exactly where the foundation is focusing its efforts. Thanks to the hundreds of fundraising campaigns from companies like Snap-On, the foundation has provided over 143,000 families in Australia with a McGrath Breast Care Nurse to support and care for individuals after diagnosis.
Ms Bevan said that the work being done by campaigns like ‘Socket to Breast Cancer’ are critical in making that support possible.
“We are so appreciative of corporate partners like Snap-On Tools who help the McGrath Foundation work towards our mission of ensuring that no one goes through breast cancer without care,” she said.
“A huge thank you to all those in the community who choose to support the Snap-on Pink Tool Set.”
The pink tools might have left storefronts for another year, but those wishing to still donate to the campaign or donate directly to the McGrath Foundation can do it through the charity’s website.
