Latest Ryman news

Bizarre bras bring the house down

Written by Maryvonne Gray
on May 25, 2023

A ‘crazy idea’ to raise a bit of money for the Breast Cancer Foundation turned into a hilarious afternoon recognising the bra-tastic innovation and creativity of William Sanders residents.
Keen crafter and organiser Patsy Davies challenged her fellow residents to make a ‘bizarre bra’ for a good cause with prizes for the best which would be announced at a pink-themed high tea in the dining room.
“We decided that just coming along and having tea and cake wasn’t going to cut it, we wanted something edgier so we decided on a bizarre bra competition for the craft group,” said Patsy.

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It wasn’t just the core crafters though, with many other residents gave it a go too, including daughters and granddaughters, and there was one male entrant too, from Vic Murray.
Vic is a keen rugmaker and carried on the theme for his bizarre bra too!
Patsy said she was overwhelmed by the volume of amazing entries that came in.
“I have lost some really good friends to cancer so each year I try to do something to support breast cancer. I was in tears at the response.”
The creativity was incredible, with decorative adornments ranging from wine gums, baubles, plastic carrots and artificial flowers to pipe cleaners, wigs and even toy pigs!
Given the tough job of judging the top six prizewinners was Graham Laycock, using his expertise from many years working in the women’s intimate apparel industry.
With prizes donated by several local businesses including Devonport Flowers and Helen Scott Pharmacy, the top six were Pat McKay, Pam Bell, Janice Letica, Marian Mitchell, Lorraine Louw and Kate Elder came first with her Irish themed bra.
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Residents and their guests gathered in the dining room for a pink-themed high tea (above) while Pam Bell is pictured (top) with her Peek-a-boob creation. Kate Elder (below) was named first place according to judge Graham Laycock with her Irish-themed number as organiser Patsy Davies looks on.

IMG_7605 (1) (Large)Meanwhile, Vic was announced the winner of the Organiser’s award: “He always steps up, he’s a great person in the village, and a good laugh, and the only man in the craft group,” said Patsy.
“So this boobies keyring is for Vic, so he will always remember the ladies that surround him!”
After the raffle prizes and gift hamper winners were drawn, and a special round of applause for the craft ladies in their pink fascinators, the only award left to announce was the People’s Choice award.
By ‘a landslide’, the clear winner was Pam Bell with the second of her two creations – the aptly-named ‘Peek-a-boob’ bra.
The total amount raised was an impressive $2,023 and Patsy promised everyone that the ideas for next year’s fundraiser were already being discussed.

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Winner of the Organiser's Award, Vic Murray, with his rug bra (above) and Vic with his fellow crafters (below) with their bizarre bras.
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About Ryman Healthcare:

Ryman was founded in 1984 and has become one of New Zealand’s largest listed companies. The company owns and operates 45 retirement villages in New Zealand and Australia which are home to more than 13,900 residents and the company employs 6,800 team members.

Media advisory: For further information, photos, interviews or comment please contact Group Corporate Affairs Manager Silke Marsh on +64 27 294 3609 or Communications Advisor Maryvonne Gray on 027 552 0767.

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