The Kiara Cosmetics team supports Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation on the water

Experiencing the Impact Behind Empower Me Pink

Earlier this month, the Kiara team had the privilege of spending time with the incredible team at the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation, experiencing part of their PaddleOn programme firsthand.

With several new team members joining us this year, it felt important to go beyond simply talking about Empower Me Pink—and instead truly understand the impact it has on people navigating life after cancer.

Understanding the Work Behind the Mission

The Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (PINC & STEEL) delivers specialised rehabilitation programmes designed to help individuals rebuild strength, mobility, confidence, and independence following cancer treatment.

These programmes play a vital role in recovery, supporting people to regain their quality of life and return to the activities that matter most.

One of the initiatives offered is PaddleOn—a unique rehabilitation programme that uses paddleboarding as a pathway to recovery.

More Than a Day on the Water

On the surface, PaddleOn may look like a day spent on the water. But the impact runs far deeper.

Paddleboarding supports the rebuilding of upper body strength, balance, and mobility following treatment. Just as importantly, it creates a sense of connection, restores confidence, and provides the powerful mental health benefits that come from being outdoors and active again.

For many participants, it represents more than physical recovery—it’s a step toward feeling like themselves again.

Seeing the Impact Firsthand

For our team, stepping onto the boards and experiencing even a small part of the programme gave us a much deeper appreciation for the work the foundation does—and the importance of the fundraising efforts behind Empower Me Pink.

Since launching our fundraising initiatives, the Kiara and Empower Me Pink community has helped support rehabilitation programmes for hundreds of people across New Zealand.

And the impact is real.

“Empower Me Pink funding last year enabled over 400 New Zealanders to access cancer rehabilitation that would otherwise have been out of reach—a lifeline for each person navigating recovery after cancer.

The impact ripples far beyond the individual—protecting long-term health and helping people remain active in their families, workplaces, and communities, so they don’t just survive cancer, but truly live again.”

— Lou James MNZM, CEO, PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation

Why It Matters

Hearing Lou share the story behind the foundation—and the life-changing difference these programmes make—was incredibly powerful for our team.

It reinforced just how important community-led fundraising is, and the role our industry can play in supporting initiatives that genuinely change lives.

A Community-Led Movement

Empower Me Pink was created to bring our community together in support of cancer rehabilitation in New Zealand.

What began as a single fundraising initiative has grown into a nationwide movement—supported by clinics, stockists, partners, and customers alike.

Together, this community is helping ensure that people recovering from cancer have access to the rehabilitation services they need to rebuild strength, restore confidence, and move forward with their lives.

A Reminder of Why We Do What We Do

Moments like this are a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to support Empower Me Pink and the vital work of the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation.

Because together, we’re not just raising funds—
we’re helping people truly live again.