02/08/2026
VAFA HQ - Old Scotch Football Club - 2027 BCNA Luncheon.
After last years outstanding success, it was with some trepidation we attended yet another iteration of the Cardinals BCNA Luncheon.
2025 saw the founder of BCNA, the reclusive Lyn Swinburne hit the lectern. The highly sought after Old Scotch / BCNA footy jumper raised $500 at auction for this critical charity. So, the fear was - how could last year possibly be topped! Well they did, and some.
Lyn Swinburne attended again but this time who better to introduce another very special guest speaker, her long time friend - Leslie Gillespie - co-founder of Bakers Delight who importantly have been a 26 year intrinsic partner of Breast Cancer Network Australia. It's been a remarkable journey and aside from the unwavering loyalty, it's not just about the staggering $28.5 million raised through the Pink Bun Campaign but also what many don't know is that Leslie and husband Roger (Old Scotch Alumni) also house BCNA out of there headquarters just a few hundred metres down the road from Camberwell Sports Ground.
With Leslie's daughter Elise CEO of Australian Operations and son Aaron taking care of business in Canada / North America, Leslie has stepped back from the business but not too much as 5000 of the famous (and bloody delicious) pink buns were delivered to Old Scotch Football Club.
Leslie was also presented with a unique jumper paying testament to her phenomenal and sustained contribution to BCNA approaching three decades. Leslie's reaction spoke for itself (Might need a smaller size though which we can gladly assist with). Lyn Swinburne also received an Old Scotch jumper for her grandson who is hoping to be the 5th generation from her family to attend the school.
Even better, the one off Old Scotch / BCNA footy jumper raised over $500 once again but with two added signatures to this bespoke garment - it's now, most certainly priceless.
Another highlight of the day was the presentation of medallions to the clubs foundation members who collectively donate tens of thousands of dollars along with Life Members also being acknowledged.
Congratulations to President Angus, Steph and Toopy and everyone else behind the scenes for organising another memorable day. Roll on 2027.
SSA stands ready to assist any of our clubs in raising funds for BCNA with the only proviso being every dollar generated going to this outstanding charity.