Cor de MAR
In an initiative that reinforces its commitment to health, solidarity, and community well-being, from October 17 to 30, MAR Shopping Algarve will once again mark Pink October with the exhibition ‘Cor de MAR’ (Color of the Sea) – which includes real testimonials – the 5th edition of the Breast Friends initiative, and a series of solidarity and breast cancer prevention actions. The campaign is organized in partnership with the Algarve Oncology Association (AOA), the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), and the HPA Health Group.
More than just an awareness campaign, this is intended to be an experience of closeness and empathy, with interactive spaces and real testimonials that give a voice to those who have faced breast cancer. Highlights of the program include free screenings and self-examination demonstrations using prostheses, led by health professionals from the AOA and HPA, as well as a charity run and walk organized by ABC. The online section ‘Make Up Adviser – Make it Pink’ offers charitable makeup advice.
The campaign includes complementary initiatives from partner organizations, such as Associação Partilhas, which is promoting a collection of scarves for women undergoing cancer treatment and a charity raffle, as well as the ‘Para Além do Cancro’ (Beyond Cancer) project, with the presentation of the guide A Minha Mama (My Breast), written by Sandra Matinhos, accompanied by a sharing and awareness session, on October 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in front of the Mango store.
Since 2021, the Breast Friends campaign, which complements the meeting place's Screening Agenda, has enabled 153 free screenings (ultrasounds) to be carried out as part of the partnership with the Algarve Private Clinic – MAR Shopping Algarve, contributing to the early detection of cases and reinforcing the center's commitment to the health and well-being of the community.
“Pink October is much more than just an awareness campaign for us. It is a real commitment to the health, well-being, and solidarity of our community. With this set of initiatives, we reinforce our AMAR philosophy, putting people at the center of everything we do. We want to be a space where experiences are created that inspire, support, and make a difference," emphasizes Ana Antunes, Director of MAR Shopping Algarve.
For Maria de Lurdes Santos Pereira, President of the Algarve Oncology Association, “prevention and early diagnosis remain the key to saving lives. The partnership with MAR Shopping Algarve has allowed us to reach thousands of people with information, support, and free screenings. It is essential to continue to raise awareness and empower the community to recognize warning signs and seek timely medical attention."
"The ‘Mama em Movimento’ charity walk and run is a symbolic moment, but also a deeply transformative one. Every step taken is a message of hope and unity, which seeks to raise awareness of the importance of breast cancer prevention. We are counting on the support of MAR Shopping Algarve and Designer Outlet Algarve to kick off the 4th edition of this initiative and make it a celebration of life and solidarity," says Joana Apolónio, Researcher and Head of Strategic Planning and Project Management at the Algarve Biomedical Center.
It should be noted that MAR Shopping Algarve regularly provides opportunities for its visitors and employees to have easy access to screening, in partnership with various entities operating in the health sector. The ‘Screening Schedule’ project reaffirms the meeting place's commitment to maximizing its social and environmental impact, aligning itself with the UN's 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals and actively contributing to the well-being of the community and the achievement of a healthier and more sustainable future.
FULL AGENDA | PINK OCTOBER AT MAR SHOPPING ALGARVE
‘Cor de MAR’ Exhibition
• October 17 to 30
• Location: in front of Mango
‘Beyond Cancer’
• October 18 | 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Location: in front of Mango
Breast Self-Examination Awareness Campaign
• Free participation – no appointment necessary
• Date and time: October 25 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Location: Floor 0, next to Worten
Breast Ultrasounds – Breast Friends
• Free participation – appointment required at the HPA Clinic
• Eligibility criteria: see marshopping.com or the HPA Clinic
• Date and time: October 21 to 25
• Location: HPA Clinic at MAR Shopping Algarve
‘Mama em Movimento’ Charity Run and Walk
• Date and time: October 25 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Prizes awarded by MAR Shopping Algarve and Designer Outlet Algarve
Online feature ‘Make It Pink’ with makeup artist Ana Lopes (@analopes.pt)
• Date and time: October 25 | 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.