The Pink Beanies Challenge: an inspiring initiative by the Bureau de l’Humanitaire and Défil’Cancer
10/30/2025
Every year, Pink October mobilizes people around the world in support of a vital cause: the fight against breast cancer. This month of awareness aims to inform, prevent, and support all the women affected by the disease. The Bureau de l’Humanitaire (Humanitarian office) of IÉSEG Lille and Défil’Cancer, two student associations, have joined forces to launch a solidarity initiative in support of this cause: the “Pink Beanies Challenge.”
“It’s a wonderful project, and we’re really proud of it. This is the first time we’ve organized something like this with the Bureau de l’Humanitaire, and it was very important to us to create a large-scale event for Pink October, as breast cancer affects more and more people,” explains Lisa Maigrot, President of the Humanitarian Office.
The “Pink Beanies Challenge”: bringing people together
En quoi consiste ce challenge ? D’abord, du 1er au 17 octobre, une phase de collecte de t-shirts a été réalisée sur le campus lillois de l’IÉSEG, pour que chaque étudiant puisse participer de manière très simple. Ensuite, le jeudi 23 octobre, un atelier de couture a été organisé pour transformer en bonnets (turbans) les t-shirts récoltés, le tout dans une ambiance conviviale et chaleureuse. Les bonnets ainsi confectionnés ont été reversées à l’association “Mon Bonnet Rose” qui, en novembre, les distribuera à des femmes atteintes du cancer du sein. L’association œuvre depuis 2016 pour accompagner les femmes touchées par le cancer du sein et leur redonner confiance, notamment via la mise à disposition de bonnets, d’accessoires et de conseils adaptés.
So, what is this challenge all about? From October 1 to 17, students and staff on IÉSEG’s Lille campus were invited to donate t-shirts—a simple and accessible way for everyone to take part. Then, on Thursday, October 23, a sewing workshop was held to transform the collected t-shirts into beanies (turbans), in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The handcrafted beanies were then donated to the association Mon Bonnet Rose (My Pink Beanie), which will distribute them in November to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Since 2016, Mon Bonnet Rose has been working to support women affected by breast cancer, helping them regain confidence by providing adapted headwear, accessories, and personalized advice.
The Bureau de l’Humanitaire and Défil’Cancer: two committed associations
“Being a member of the ‘Bureau de l’Humanitaire’ is a way to connect with people, to have authentic interactions, to help others, and to feel useful. It’s essential for me to find that human and social connection, which I feel can sometimes be missing in business schools and in the corporate world,” shares Lisa Maigrot. She adds: “We’re very proud of this event, of how well it was received, and of the number of students who got involved. It was just as important for us to share a friendly, meaningful moment together.”
The Bureau de l’Humanitaire has no intention to stop here. Upcoming initiatives include a donation drive for Ludopital, a painting workshop with people with disabilities in partnership with GEMSA, collaborations with the Food Bank, and the organization of a Solidarity Christmas Market alongside the AEIL (IÉSEG Lille Students’ Association) on campus.
Meanwhile, Défil’Cancer is already hard at work preparing its annual fashion show, which will take place in March 2026.
A fine example of student engagement, where their humanitarian initiatives bring to life the School’s values and Vision every day.