Here at ME, we’re tickled pink (get it?) to be a major sponsor of the Mother’s Day Classic for the 18th year running (hey, another pun!).
This year, for the 25th annual event on Sunday 8 May, participants can run, walk or even dance in over 70 locations to show their support, with all proceeds from the day going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Our favourite duo, The Merindas, will be performing at the finish line in Melbourne. So we caught up with Candice and Kristel to talk about the Mother’s Day Classic, their mums and (of course) music.
Raising awareness.
One in seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which is why we’re so passionate about supporting the Mother’s Day Classic event each year. It’s also why we’re excited to have Candice and Kristel perform on the day, as their passion for the event and raising awareness shines through.
‘Being part of this event is a reminder for me because I’ve had close family who have suffered breast cancer and sadly passed away,’ says Candice. ‘So I want to get in there and support the women who are currently suffering breast cancer.’
‘When you’re at that age, getting close to 40 soon, you want to start being aware of it. Because you just never know – it can happen to anybody,’ adds Kristel.
Music and mums.
The Merindas’ passion for music comes from their mums. Kristel used to watch her mum sing and perform in musical theatre, and they still sing karaoke together today. Candice was raised by a single mum. ‘She’d dance with me in the living room, sing me lullabies, and I just thought music was the greatest connection to have with my own mum,’ she says.
When asked what Mother’s Day means to them, Candice and Kristel can’t help smiling. Candice wrote a Mother’s Day song for her mum a few years ago, to make her ‘happy cry’.
With two teenage sons, Kristel says she doesn’t like to expect much or make a big deal out of it, but Mother’s Day is ‘a reminder of how lucky I am to be a mum’.
What The Merindas will bring to the stage.
Late last year, The Merindas released their EP, Complicated ©, and they’re keen as beans to perform their new and well-loved songs at the Mother’s Day Classic. We asked the duo which tunes they’re most looking forward to performing on the day.
‘We're really excited to share our newer songs, like “Boomerang”,’ says Candice. ‘Just being present there as strong, confident women on stage at an event like this is what we're most looking forward to. I guess it's not so much about the songs, it's about being present.’
Adds Kristel, ‘Making people smile and making their day. I know we have one event at seven in the morning, so I'm excited for that one’.
We’re excited for that performance too – nothing quite like a 7am boogie.
Mum’s the word.
Out with the nagging mother stereotype, in with good ol’ motherly advice. We asked Candice and Kristel about the best advice they’ve ever received from their mums. ‘Respect your elders and treat people how you want to be treated,’ Kristel jumps in without a pause.
Candice has a bit more trouble remembering. ‘There’s so much!’ she says. ‘“Be open, keep your mind open” is running through my head, because mum’s open-minded to everything.’
Should we make t-shirts out of these banger pieces of advice? We think so.
We’re Making Money Good by making music good.
On Sunday 8 May in Melbourne, you’ll find us celebrating with The Merindas at the finish line! Show your support for breast cancer research by walking, running, dancing and donating.
Plus, every time you tap your pink Buck card, ME donates 1c to the National Breast Cancer Foundation – over the years, we’ve donated $1.3m to breast cancer research through this initiative. This essential funding goes towards identifying and championing world-class research that will help detect tumours earlier, improve treatment outcomes, and ultimately save lives.
Get pink today and purchase with purpose.
Plus, sign up for the Mother’s Day Classic here .
Please consider if this product is right for you. ME Bank – a division of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 Level 28, 360 Elizabeth Street Melbourne VIC 3000, GPO Box 1345 Melbourne VIC 3001
This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice.