Sydney’s Pink Test a record fundraiser despite COVID crowd limit

Sydney’s Pink Test has raised a record $2m for the McGrath Foundation, despite COVID restrictions slashing the crowd, with those who attended turning the SCG into a sea of pink.

The Sydney Pink Test has defied crowd numbers crushed by COVID-19 to raise a record $2 million.

With the crowd capped at 12,000 the McGrath Foundation went hi-tech — and sold more than 90,000 “virtual” seats to smash the previous fundraising record of $1.7 million.

Candice Warner and her daughters Ivy. 6, and Indi, 4, enjoyed the Pink Test. Picture: Tim Hunter

Instead of donating at the ground, people paid $20 for a virtual seat. It was an innovation that ensured the foundation, set up by cricketing great Glenn McGrath after his wife Jane lost her brave fight with breast cancer, could continue its 11-year mission.

“Many people don’t realise it costs us over $14 million per year to fund our network of 154 McGrath Breast Care Nurses,” McGrath Foundation CEO Holly Masters said.

The McAlpin family — Tim and Claire plus John, 4, and Theo, 1, fully embraced the pink theme. Picture: Tim Hunter

The stands on day 3 of the Australia v India Test were looking rosy. Picture: Tim Hunter

“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 past year, particularly as they help patients navigate the additional challenges of COVID-19.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of the cricket community, Cricket Australia and the SCG, and to all those who helped keep the ‘pink’ in the Pink Test by buying their virtual seats.”

Cricket Fans Lucas Pedley, Luke Whyte, Michael Ferguson, Jacob Thomas and Daniel Mason. Picture: Tim Hunter

There was a host of colourful characters at the SCG. Picture: Tim Hunter

Although the crowd was much smaller this year, fans embraced the spirit of the day by going big with their pink costumes.

“The Sydney Pink Test has become a national phenomenon,” McGrath said.

“We always look forward to seeing people pinking up with our bandannas to help bathe the SCG in pink, showing support for those experiencing breast cancer and raising much-needed funds for our amazing nurses.

“But in a year when we’ve all had to live virtually, we felt there was an opportunity for people to help us keep the ‘pink’ in the Pink Test, no matter where they are, by buying virtual Pink Seats — and we’ve been absolutely blown away by the response so far. We’re incredibly grateful for our supporters right across Australia. Thank you.”

… and commentator Mel McLaughlin said the Pink Test transcended sport.

Glenn McGrath said he was blown away by the response …

The Indian cricket team’s number one fans, the Bharat Army. Picture: Tim Hunter

Channel 7’s Mel McLaughlin was one of many to embrace the day.

“It something that keeps getting bigger and bigger every year,” McLaughlin said.

“People are doing it tough but still everyone gets on board and loves to give.

“At this stadium, just to see the sea of pink, we all probably feel like we knew both Glenn and Jane.

“It’s just something that transcends sport.”

Even superheroes wear pink. Picture: Tim Hunter