This year we welcomed many new and exciting societies into the Guild of Societies, one of which was CoppaFeel! Having previously existed as one of the CharityÔÇÖs Uni Boob Teams external to our Union, this yearÔÇÖs team is hoping to build on the impact made last year and increase its presence across campus.
So what is CoppaFeel! I hear you ask? As suggested by the name, they are a vibrant, young charity on a mission to stamp out the late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer. This is achieved through tongue in cheek campaigns and initiatives, in order to ensure that young people know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and get to know their lovely pair. Adding to the mix an amazing social media presence, targeting festivals and university campuses and a plethora of celebrity patrons such as Fearne Cotton ÔÇô CoppaFeel! really does know its audience.
Last week the team held a week of events across campus subtly titled Boob Week; growing on what was a very successful Freshers for the young society. On Monday a cake sale was held in The Kitchen raising £158.87 for the cause, followed by a social at the Lash on Wednesday (of course) and culminating in Boob Day on Friday.!
Ah yes, IÔÇÖve lost you in the lingo again! A day filled with fun and games around, yep you guessed it, boobs.
Despite the frivolity, interaction is crucial to the campaigning and is the best way to spread the message and educate young people.
IÔÇÖm sure many are more likely to be boob-aware following a game of boob dodgeball, rather than a dry or seemingly over-scientific pamphlet. And thatÔÇÖs it, that is what matters.
I was one of the crazy ladies running up and down Park Place in a giant boob costume last year and that is how many people know me, for dressing up as an inflated breast. Initially getting involved to please my flat mate, Rachel Price the then Boob Leader, you soon forget how ridiculous you look and focus on the task at hand: awareness. Although I am making it all seem far too Mission Impossible than it should, CoppaFeel! really does embrace a certain guerrilla warfare approach to its PR and campaigning.
A fond memory is marching down Miskin Street towards the Union gym just after 7am (something that has not happened since) one freezing November morning, hurling an assortment of giant boob costumes and rubber ducks; really questioning my life choices! We were on the way to film a promotional video with CUTV to go with the ÔÇÿCoppaFeel! in the showerÔÇÖ campaign, which was nominated for a Cardiff Student Media Award in 2013.
I think itÔÇÖs time to wrap up the ramblings of somebody in their fourth year clinging on to the good times, for now at least! This year Sarah Potts, who has increased the fundraising target to ┬ú1,000 per year, will head the society. Sarah and her boob team will be out in force across campus this year, including a flash mob in mid November. So next time you see a giant boob with limbs and a broad smile around Cathays, donÔÇÖt run away – just CoppaFeel!
Lisa Childs
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