LEWISTON —  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the cities of Lewiston and Auburn want residents to know it. An awareness kick-off ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, in Simard-Payne Memorial Park. 

Heading up the awareness effort are Auburn City Councilor Tizz Crowley and Lewiston City Councilor Doreen Christ, the latter of whom will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. All are welcome to attend.

The kick-off will feature a joint proclamation/comments by Lewiston Mayor Robert E. Macdonald and Auburn Mayor Jonathan Labonte, along with “Words of Hope” by Lewiston breast cancer survivor Nancy Holt.

Comments will also be made by Maine Cancer Foundation President Jennifer Dumas, U.S. Congressional representatives and representatives from Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

In addition, Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker will highlight “Bras Across the Bridge,” a clothesline display of donated bras. Such displays been utilized in other cities throughout the country, and new and gently used bras for the event are being accepted at LA locations for eventual donation to Safe Voices and The Center for Wisdom’s Women.

Bras may be donated at Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine St. entrance landing; Lewiston Recreation Department, 65 Central Ave.; Auburn City Hall, 60 Court St.; or at any Auburn school.

The mission of Safe Voices is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and engage the community in creating social change in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties.

The Center for Wisdom’s Women functions as a grassroots collaborative of women who work together to break their isolation and build community toward the bettering and enriching of each other’s lives.

In addition, a “Think Pink” community calendar will be “unveiled,” which is an extensive listing of Lewiston-Auburn activities during October that have a breast cancer awareness aspect.