The importance of cancer research has led the Southern Cancer Society to refocus its priorities for the coming year. Currently, we direct 4% of our income (your donations) to cancer research. We aspire to direct 20% from now on. However, that doesn't mean our core services will be affected.

We are still committed to being there for the 1-in-3 of us who will be touched by cancer, providing support, education accommodation and transport to treatments, as well as raising awareness in the community, driving prevention and early detection. 

Evidence, both internationally and nationally, shows that investment in cancer research is paying dividends, for example, the promotion of cervical screening in wahine Māori has resulted in a 65% reduction in cervical cancer mortality in the last 10 years. While there are many good new stories, there is also an increase in the rate of diagnosis, and for some cancer types, there has been little change in prognosis.

Responding to this involves researching how and why cancer develops and using that knowledge to prevent it or detect it earlier. It means developing cutting-edge treatments that are gentler and less disruptive. Supporting the discoveries of the many brilliant people researching it is another way we can respond to cancer. We are very proud of the role the Cancer Society plays in Cancer Research. One of the very special research relationships we have is with the Cancer Society Tissue Bank – a laboratory located in Christchurch Hospital that facilitates cancer research through gifted tissue. A first of its kind in New Zealand, this laboratory punches above its weight internationally.

We are proud to have supported this research for the past 27 years and I hope you enjoy learning more about how this can continue.

Debbie Callaghan and daughters Lucy and Molly, lost their beloved husband and dad, Mark, to cancer in July 2023. A year later the family's efforts to raise funds to support the Cancer Society in its work remains strong.

Fifteen-year-old Lucy started crocheting daffodils to sell as her way of giving back to the community, to support families on their own cancer journeys and to help fund research. Popularity for the daffodils is high and Lucy is struggling to keep up with demand and could be looking for volunteers to assist.

In fact, Lucy's efforts have made it all the way to Parliament. The family's focus now is fundraising for Daffodil Day and Lucy's special daffodils will be on show in Parliament as our four local Canterbury MPs, wear them in the house.

She's also excited that Christchurch yarn shop, Outlaw Yarns has stepped up and is donating to the cause, supplying Lucy with wool.

The family remains committed to supporting Daffodil Day and the Cancer Society, Because Debbie says without our support they wouldn't have got through and they'll do whatever they can whenever, to help.

And for them it truly is a family affair. This Daffodil Day Debbie, Molly and Lucy will be joined by their grandfather at St Martins. Lucy will be selling her special daffodils from the stand her grandfather made especially for her fundraising activities.

To buy one of Lucy's crochet daffodils, email lucy.daffday@gmail.com

Waitākiri Primary School Real Heroes Year 3 students Noah, David, Henry and Tomas raised over $290 with a coin trail for the Cancer Society. School PA Kim Hillson said the students were given a choice of what charity to support and they really "wanted to do it for Daffodil Day as a great charity to support", and the school community got right behind them. Well done and an amazing effort, boys.

Our supporters come from all areas of our community. With those being diagnosed with cancer getting younger, it's heartening to see our youth children heeding the message.

As always, none of the work we do would be possible without the generous donations from our communities and sponsors and we give you all a heartfelt thank you.

Our dedicated volunteers play a vital part in our annual Daffodil Day appeal.

Without these incredible people giving up their time, we would not be able to fundraise on such a large scale across Canterbury and the West Coast.

So we need you. Get your friends, family, or co-workers together and help us collect donations this Daffodil Day - Friday August 30th & Saturday August 31st.

Learn more about becoming a Daffodil Day Volunteer below!

Throughout the month of August, thousands of incredible schools, workplaces and individuals organise fundraising activities for Daffodil Day to support the Cancer Society's work and raise awareness.

Fundraise with your workplace, school or with friends below!

1 in 3 is a lot of us. Daffodil Day is our country's chance to work together and change the experience of cancer for every New Zealander. We all know someone affected by cancer and the toll this takes on them and their friends and whānau.

But there is hope and it starts with you.

A huge congratulations to the Pak'nSave Marlborough Boys' College 1st XV for their tremendous efforts in completing a 15-hour fitness challenge to raise a total of $11,254  for the Canterbury Cancer Centre in Christchurch!

Jas and Matthew managers of the rugby team said "the boys felt an immense sense of achievement completing the 15-hour challenge. All the money raised is going to the Canterbury Cancer Centre which made it feel all worthwhile. The boys spend a lot of their time away from home playing rugby, so they understand the importance of supporting friends and family."

The Cancer Society is humbled by their dedication and commitment. The boys achievement is the reason we can provide free accommodation to families traveling down to stay at the Canterbury Cancer Centre while they undergo treatment.  

A massive thank you to the boys and the entire community for your incredible support. We are truly grateful! 

True to our ambition to embed ourselves in every part of our community, West Coast is opening a new Drop In Centre in Westport on 3 September, 2024. It will be open every first and third Tuesday of the month from 10 am to 12 pm.

Based in the Reap Building at 111 Palmerston Street, the centre will offer a variety of services for those on their cancer journeys. Community Manager Shell Haworth says "If you or a loved one has been touched by cancer, come along for a chat. We offer support and information to guide you on your journey and hopefully make it easier for you. This is a great asset for the people of Westport and surrounding districts."

As well as information and support, the centre will also offer complementary therapies for people living with cancer or chronic illness, their family and carers. The therapies include massage, reiki, reflexology.

Canterbury has opened new Drop In Centres in Rolleston, Lincoln, Darfield and Leeston. Katie is our Cancer Navigator for the greater Christchurch and enables us to have these open clinics open for the community.

"I run clinics in different places on different days Rolleston, Lincoln, Darfield and Leeston. Some of these have just been set up and we're having a great response. People can just walk in off the street, or they can contact us and make an appointment. We're not just here for the patient, we're here for their supports, whanau and carers."

Katie's clinics run at Lincoln on Wednesday 9.30am – 12.30 pm; Darfield on Tuesdays 9.30am – 12.30pm; Rolleston on Mondays from 2pm to 5pm and a support group from 10am – 12pm; Leeston Wednesday 1pm-4pm.

Harcourts Grenadier as big ideas on how to support Daffodil Day this year! They hope to raise at least $50,000 at their charity auction - Bid For a Cause! 

Andy Freeman, Managing Director says "Unfortunately, we all know someone or someone's family who has been affected by cancer. Our ongoing partnership with the Cancer Society is focused on making a real difference and alleviating the burden of cancer within our community."

The event will give guests the chance to bid on an array of fabulous lots, including luxury getaways, premium products and unforgettable experiences.

Location: Christchurch Town Hall, Time: From 6:00 PM onwards

If you have been supported by our services or accommodation, participated in an event, or been part of our volunteer crew and you're keen to share your story, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch today:

What legacy will you leave? There are many ways to leave your mark on the world. Everything you do, such as your connections with your family/whānau and friends, your work, sporting or community activities, all contribute to memories of you.

Another way is to leave a planned gift to the Cancer Society in your will. By doing so, your kindness will live on, improving lives long after you have gone. When you support us, you become a partner in helping to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer affecting our families and our communities.

Living with cancer can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, for people with cancer and whānau.

We provide a range of free cancer support services to help you and your family cope with your cancer diagnosis and manage during your treatment and beyond.

You don't need to be referred by your GP or oncologist to contact us. Give us a call on 0800 226 237. We are here for anyone with cancer, at any stage and are available to answer any question.

You can also submit the form below for yourself or someone you care about who is affected by a cancer diagnosis: