Karen was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and last month had a lumpectomy to remove a lump found during her annual mammogram.

Now the tie handbag she bought from those ladies in the caravan park at Edithburgh, South Australia had inspired her to get Narooma to donate its unwanted neckties to the handicraft project that raises funds to help those affected by cancer.

The ladies are actually from the Mildura area and the proceeds from their tie bags are donated to Sunraysia Cancer Resources.

It takes 10 ties to make one of the bags that sell for $20 with postage and handling.

The tie project will also be part of the big “I will survive” breast cancer awareness and research fundraising event at Club Narooma on October 18.

That event to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Network Australia and the National Breast Cancer Foundation was inspired be fellow local Jess Bourke who herself is fighting a diagnosis a breast cancer.

Event committee member Michelle Bruest is making pink collection boxes to be placed around town to help collect more ties, including at the Raw Prawn Bistro at O’Briens Hotel where Karen works.

She hopes bringing the tie bag project to Narooma will also help to raise awareness and encourage women to do annual mammograms, as in her case her lump was so small even her specialist had trouble finding it.

“Early detection and getting your mammogram done every year is so important, and I just want to help get that message out,” Karen said.