Launched in 2005, the Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer is a unique worldwide series of creative events designed to raise funds and awareness for this important cause. Over the years, activities have included walks, runs, concerts, conferences, educational seminars and more. These events have taken place in hundreds of diverse locations, from Guatemala City to Kuala Lumpur to Prague, in historic sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Kremlin and in the central plazas of Mexico City. This global series of events now mobilizes more than a quarter of a million people each year in more than 50 countries to help end breast cancer and ensure access to quality care. To date, over 800,000 people have participated in raising more than $8.2 million for the breast cancer cause since the global series began.
The need for continued awareness and funding for the breast cancer cause is great. While advances have been made, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is responsible for 502,000 deaths per year worldwide.
"Breast Cancer does not discriminate between nations or ethnicities, but both the understanding and support of the issue of breast cancer varies greatly country to country," states Executive Director of the Avon Foundation Carol Kurzig. "By mobilising people worldwide we are helping break barriers to awareness and access to care as we work to eradicate the disease."
In March 2008 Avon in the UK held it's first ever walk for breast cancer as part of the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer programme, in partnership with local Northamptonshire charity Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal.
Each year, the Crazy Hats walk has become bigger and better! In 2010 almost 3000 people took part- all wearing crazy hats and having a thoroughly good time in bright sunshine, whilst raising vital money for the breast cancer cause.
A fantastic £50,000 was raised, helping the Northampton based charity to reach its first £1,000,000! The relatively young charity carries out amazing work to help improve care for women suffering from breast cancer.
Crazy Hats' project history includes paying for a new MRI scanner for the Breast Screening Department at Kettering General Hospital. This new equipment will be able to help support younger women diagnosed with breast cancer when the breast tissue is much denser.
Northampton General Hospital was able to construct a purpose built 'Crazy Hats Coffee Bar' in the Oncology department, creating a wonderful haven for women receiving treatment at the hospital.
Glennis Hooper, Founder and Executive Fundraiser at Crazy Hats, commented: "The highlight of the walk in 2010 was when Avon presented us with a cheque for £20,000 to purchase a brand new van! It's bright and vibrant, sporting the Crazy Hats and Avon logos, and allows us to reach even more women and their families. Crazy Hats is indebted to Avon for their wonderful support over the years and for their belief in the work we do."
Launched in 2005, the Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer is a unique worldwide series of creative events designed to raise funds and awareness for this important cause. Over the years, activities have included walks, runs, concerts, conferences, educational seminars and more. These events have taken place in hundreds of diverse locations, from Guatemala City to Kuala Lumpur to Prague, in historic sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Kremlin and in the central plazas of Mexico City. This global series of events now mobilizes more than a quarter of a million people each year in more than 50 countries to help end breast cancer and ensure access to quality care. To date, over 800,000 people have participated in raising more than $8.2 million for the breast cancer cause since the global series began.
In March 2008 Avon in the UK held it's first ever walk for breast cancer as part of the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer programme, in partnership with local Northamptonshire charity Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal. 
