Breastie Bags was launched in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a goal that reaches far beyond selling gift bags. It aims to make a direct impact on the life of one woman in Thunder Bay who is financially burdened by her breast cancer diagnosis, offering her a lifeline during a time of uncertainty.

The concept of the Breastie Bag, created by Romy Marlo, Founder of Crush Coffee Co., and Graysen Thompson, co-owner of George’s Market, is both simple yet impactful. The fundraiser offers beautifully curated gift bags, each containing a bag of Crush Coffee, a signature Crush Coffee mug, and a fresh bouquet of flowers.

“These items are more than just products,” says Thompson. “They represent care, comfort, femininity, and solidarity. The coffee symbolizes daily strength, the mug serves as a comforting touchpoint, and the beautiful flowers bring a breath of beauty and hope during difficult times.”

With every purchase of a Breastie Bag, $10 will be donated to one woman in Thunder Bay struggling financially due to breast cancer. This commitment reflects a genuine effort to truly make a difference. Breast cancer often brings unexpected financial burdens, including medical bills, treatments, and loss of income, creating an overwhelming situation for patients and their families. For many women, this financial strain becomes another battle on top of the emotional and physical toll of cancer.

Breastie Bags seeks to lighten that load, offering real, tangible help to women in need, providing a safety net for a woman who may find herself needing extra financial support.

“What sets Breastie Bags apart from other fundraisers is our dedication to empowering women at every level of the process,” says Marlo. “From product creation to the recipient of the donations, women are central to this initiative. By choosing to support Breastie Bags, you’re not just contributing to breast cancer survivors; you’re investing in a business ecosystem that prioritizes female empowerment.”

This broader mission of empowerment extends beyond financial aid. Breastie Bags represent the idea that women can come together to lift each other up in times of need. In a world where breast cancer impacts so many lives, initiatives like Breastie Bags remind us that no one has to fight alone. Giving a Breastie Bag is an act of love, compassion, and solidarity—a way of saying, “I see you,” to both the recipient and the woman benefiting from the donation.

Both Romy and Graysen have been deeply affected by breast cancer’s impact on their friends and family. The launch of Breastie Bags is a testament to their desire to turn grief into action, channeling the pain of losing a loved one or watching a loved one struggle into a force for good.

Breastie Bags will be available for purchase at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Thursday, October 24 from 8am – 4pm in the main foyer.

Nominate a woman to be a Breastie Bag recipient by emailing: info@crushcoffeeco.com and tell us why she is the perfect fit! Nominations close October 25. Funds will be presented on Monday, November 11 at the Breastie Social, Sleeping Giant Brewing Company from 7-9pm. Tickets available at www.sleepinggiantbrewing.ca.