Pink is the new red this Valentine's Day

Motorists are being encouraged to buy their loved one a special gift this Valentines Day that will also help support those with breast cancer and raise funds for the McGrath Foundation – Pink Number Plates.

Acting Minister for Transport and Roads David Borger said pink plates - the highest selling coloured number plate in NSW – were a great gift idea.

"Valentine’s Day is a special day and this year we are encouraging people to show their love with pink number plates instead of buying the traditional gifts like roses or chocolates," Mr Borger said.

"This really is the gift that keeps on giving with a portion of the proceeds from each number plate sold going to the McGrath Foundation to support breast care nurses in regional New South Wales.

"So far the Pink Plates initiative has sold around 4,300 pink plates and raised around $91,000 for the McGrath Foundation and it would be great if motorists could help to increase this on Valentine’s Day this year."

Mr Borger said $15 from every pink plate sale and $50 for every prestige pink plate had been donated to the McGrath Foundation.

"It is also great to see that men are supporting the campaign, snapping up around 960 of the pink plates sold. I would encourage husbands and boyfriends to get behind this great cause and add a touch of pink to their loved ones car," Mr Borger said.

Paul Dennett from the RTA has purchased pink plates for his wife to support the worthy cause.

"My family has experienced the hardship of having someone diagnosed with breast cancer and to be able to do something like this is an easy way to make a difference," Mr Dennett said.

"I challenge all the men out there to not only buy these plates for Valentine’s Day but also `pink their rides’ to support this great cause."

Executive Director of the McGrath Foundation, Tracy Bevan, has been sporting her hot pink number plates for almost a year and thinks everyone should consider purchasing pink plates for their loved one.

"As a girly girl, I love pink as much as the next woman. We were so thrilled to have the RTA come on board and generously donate a portion of sales from their pink plates to the McGrath Foundation, so I just had to get them," she said.

"Pink is definitely the new red this Valentine’s Day. So, if you’re looking for a gift that is unique and stands out from the crowd, pink plates are it.

"Plus, the added bonus is that your gift will be making an actual difference to the lives of Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, as well as reminding drivers to be breast aware."

Around 60 per cent of the customers who bought a pink plate chose to personalise it and some new combinations include 5WEET, PE66LE, BETT3R and S4R4H.

Changing your plates to pink is easy. You can keep the content of your plates but just re-style it to pink.

The RTA will be donating $15 to the McGrath Foundation from each set of customised pink plates sold and increase that donation to $50 per plate for anyone who purchases a set of handmade hot pink prestige plates. Due to popular demand, this offer has been extended until 30 June 2010.

For further information about the new colours and styles available, go to www.myplates.com.au.

For more information about the McGrath Foundation, please visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.