H&J Smith managing director Jason Smith at the Invercargill store 

We are thrilled to share some heartwarming news that highlights the spirit of giving within our community. The Cancer Society extends our deepest gratitude to H&J Smith for their act of kindness and generosity.

Considering the closure of their store in Invercargill, H&J Smith made decided to donate their remaining prostheses and mastectomy bra stock to the Cancer Society, with a combined value of $27,000. This gesture will have a profound impact on breast cancer survivors in Southland.

"H&J Smith are delighted to donate our extensive range of breast care products to an amazing organisation that serves and supports the Southland and Otago community" (@H&J Smith Department Store) 

By choosing to donate these essential breast care products, H&J Smith is directly contributing to the wellbeing and recovery of those who have faced the challenges of breast cancer. Their donation symbolizes hope, support, and a powerful message of compassion.

To H&J Smith, we express our heartfelt appreciation for the light you have brought into the lives of mastectomy patients in our community. Your donation is a testament to the power of kindness and the strength of unity in the face of adversity.

We are so pleased to announce that Becky, H&J Smith's Invercargill-based prostheses and mastectomy bra fitting specialist will now join the Cancer Society of Otago & Southland at our Invercargill centre.

Whether you have had breast conserving surgery or a mastectomy, Becky can advise you on the many product choices available.

Call 03 218 4108 for personal and confidential appointments, available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9am - 2:30pm at 149 Spey Street.

The Cancer Society extends its heartfelt thanks to ADL Properties for their generous creation of the Dunedin Cancer Society Whānau Room at no cost. This kind of support will have a profound impact on the wellbeing of those facing challenging times.

Situated within Daffodil House, the Whānau/Family Room was intentionally designed to be peaceful and calm, featuring soothing colours and comfortable seating. This space is especially beneficial for reducing stress and promoting wellbeing during the emotionally and physically demanding phases that cancer clients navigate.

We would also like to thank Grounds Electrical, Certa/Sign X, TAK Flooring, TJ's Way and Marion Maxwell for their in-kind contributions to making the Whānau Room a beautiful and comforting sanctuary.

We would love for those who have been diagnosed with any cancer to join us online. This will be an opportunity to kōrero with others who are on a similar health journey. 

Sometimes guest speakers will present on a topic that is of interest to the group. This may include lifestyle topics and tips such as emotional well-being, nutrition, keeping active, or sleep. 

We will meet on MS Teams on the last Thursday of each month 12 - 1 PM.  Bring your lunch and join us online, starting on the 30th of November.

We would like to thank the following funders who have supported the Cancer Society over the last couple of months:

Creative Communities Scheme, W Duncan Bickley Trust Fund, Kiwi Gaming, Invercargill Licensing Trust, Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing, Happy With That Trust, Community  Trust of Maniototo, Bendigo Valley Sports & Charity Foundation, Community and Volunteering Capability Fund, Community Trust South, Invercargill Licensing Trust and Foundation, Manatū Wāhine Physical Activity & Wellbeing Fund, DCC Rates Relief and Goodwill Charitable Trust. 

This invaluable support empowers us to make a meaningful impact in our community in supporting more people with cancer.

New research out of the University of Otago shows there is considerable public support from New Zealanders for government to take policy action to reduce people's exposure to alcohol and dietary cancer risk factors in their environment.

Key findings include the fact that 80% of those surveyed either support or feel neutral towards a ban of alcohol sponsorship at sporting or community events that under 18-year-olds attend.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Society of New Zealand stands by your side. Our Lung Cancer information booklet is your essential guide through this journey. We're here to provide support and understanding every step of the way.

You can find more information on living well with lung cancer in our new booklet, 'Understanding Lung Cancer'. Read our booklet here:

On 5th Nov we took a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteer managers who play a pivotal role in empowering our incredible team of volunteers. Their unwavering dedication and commitment are the driving force behind the "helping others help" ethos. We invite you to join us in extending our appreciation to these exceptional leaders who make our mahi possible.

Pictured from left to right is our volunteering team: Caroline (Southland), Mary (Central Otago), Karen (Coastal Otago), and Charlotte - our Volunteer Manager

Five new drivers have been welcomed into the Dunedin Driving Service in the past week. Karen, our Coastal Otago Volunteer Coordinator, has been busy completing checks and training required for this special volunteering role. This is great news for Daffodil House and Driving Service Coordinator Angelique, as appointments for treatment are sure to start increasing as we get closer to Christmas.

A few of these new volunteers were inspired to get involved when they saw the driving service ad that featured during our Daffodil Day advertising. See here if you missed it: Daffodil Day - Cancer doesn't stop, so we won't either (30 seconds) - YouTube

The future is looking bright for the University of Otago's Cancer Core Club in 2024! 

We are so grateful to have the services of 5 new committee members for next year's events, Ruby, Pamela, Julia, Eugene and Bonnie.  Our current superstar President Hailey will be graduating mid-year and will hand the reins onto Ruby who will continue to keep the Club and the Cancer Society connected.  

So many awesome ideas were bounced around at the AGM, held in September, on how they can fundraise and also how they can stay better connected as a club.  We look forward to having their support next year!

The Cancer Society of Otago and Southland invites your workplace, whānau, and clubmates to join us in getting active as the days heat up. We have two challenges that will help you get active or set a new personal best while raising vital funds for cancer care and research in your community:

Marathon In A Month and The Longest Day golf challenge can each be modified to suit your activity goals, from casual team efforts to extreme feats of endurance. It's time to start making the most of longer days and warmer weather, so let's get active for the future!

Walk, run, swim, skip, or roll your way to 42 km to complete a Marathon In A Month throughout November.

1.4 km each day goes a long way to support cancer care and research.

The Longest Day golf challenge is to successfully complete 72 holes in 1 day. 

You choose the team, the course, and the day. The longest day of the year is Friday 22 December 2023, but you can play any day in December or January that suits you.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jonathan Usher for his continuous dedication to the Cancer Society.

Through his Z Service Stations, he actively contributed to Daffodil Day by selling daffodils and maintaining a collection bucket that raised $1,111. Additionally, he generously supported our Queenstown Cancer Ball, further demonstrating his commitment to the Cancer Society.

These funds play a crucial role in supporting individuals and families affected by cancer and we appreciate Jonathan's ongoing passion for supporting people with cancer in our community.

Congratulations to high school friends Dan, Ollie, and James for completing their first ever marathon last weekend in Frankfurt, Germany.

They began their training in New Zealand, and then travelled to Europe. As a team, they have raised an incredible $2,829.43 so far!

Their fundraising page is still open for donations here, and you can watch their Frankfurt marathon journey via their Instagram page @frankfurt4cancer

Daniel Hawkes has bravely chopped his mop, to honour his father's memory.

"Cancer is something that is far to common. After experiencing the help Cancer Society offer first hand, what better charity to raise money for. With so many people that I am close with going through or have a loved one affected please help by donating to make this horrible time just a little bit easier for them."

"During my father's final months while suffering from Multiple Myloma, I promised him I would shave my hair to help raise money for other families going through this hard time."

"Any little bit helps."

So far, Daniel has raised a fantastic $1,567.00 to support other families impacted by cancer. Thank you so much Daniel!

A huge thank you to Izzy and the Dunedin Young Farmers for recently holding a Bingo and Raffle Fundraiser at the St Clair Golf Club in Dunedin.

The night was a huge success and raised an incredible $3,096.40 to support people impacted by cancer in their community.

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

If you would like to talk with someone about what support is available in your community, call our Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (226237) to speak with one of our health professionals.