Every October we hear of well-meaning projects designed to raise money to fight breast cancer. From charity runs to balls to t-shirts with pink ribbons, we hear the message repeated so often that sometimes, sadly, we begin to tune it out.

And being good Canadians, we’re about as likely to say “Enough with the pink-washing” as we are to complain, “Margaret Atwood writes confusing and boring books”. Yet secretly, we may harbour just such a thought. (Margaret, if you’re reading this, it’s just an example. We love you, we really do.)

It’s too bad because this year, 431 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer; because 102 Canadian women will die from breast cancer each week; and because breast cancer death rates have declined since the mid 1990’s. We may be weary of the fight but the effort is making a difference.

This year the Canadian Cancer Society has come up with a new way to make a difference but with a little less effort. Girls Night In is an easy, flexible and fun way for women to support women’s cancer research without having to invest a lot of time or energy. The program invites women to host a get-together with the girls in which guests donate what they might spend on a typical night out.

It’s a fun, easy and effective way to make a difference. Think you’d like to host a party? Visit the Canadian Cancer Society website at www.cancer.ca for more information.