February 2023

Kia ora   

I am pleased to provide an update on some exciting upcoming projects and events. Our team has been working hard to make sure that every dollar donated is put to good use in reducing the impact and incidence of cancer. Through the generosity of our donors, we have gone from strength to strength and are now ready to embark on some exciting new projects.  

New Zealand Cancer Society's main objective this year is to deliver a federation-wide strategic plan to ensure we make decisions that are fit for purpose and ensure our resources efficiently deliver equitable cancer outcomes for people, whānau, and populations.   We will provide meaningful opportunities for stakeholders to provide input into Anga Whakamua/Forward Together this year.  

The Cancer Society Supportive Care Service provides navigation, advocacy, and practical support to cancer patients. This care is an essential and unique offering different from other cancer organisations in New Zealand, and we want to ensure we are delivering to the needs of our cancer clients. We are working on some enhancements to our service model and will be able to share these later in the year.  

Relay For Life is an inspiring event happening this March at Oamaru, Wānaka, and Otago University. This event brings people together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back against this disease. Participating in Relay For Life is an excellent way to show your support for those affected by cancer and make a real difference in the fight against this disease.  

I want to give special thanks to our donors who have contributed to the Cancer Society. Your generous donations have helped us immensely, and we are truly grateful. I would also like to thank our volunteers who have given their time and effort to help us achieve our goals. Thank you for all your support!  

Finally, I am feeling for everyone who is affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. The storm's impact is devastating, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for those dealing with the aftermath. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. If you know of anyone with cancer in the affected areas, please ask them to call our Cancer Information Helpline 0800 226 237 if they require support.  

Ngā mihi

Dr Rachael Hart
Chief Executive
Cancer Society Otago & Southland

Our Health Promotion tīma is elated to see the passing of  The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill on December 13th. We are excited that this world-leading legislation has been enacted and look forward to working with colleagues and officials to support implementation of the new measures outlined.

We acknowledge the many decades of leadership, motivation, perseverance, and hard work in achieving this huge milestone for Aotearoa.

As the summer season kicked off, our Health Promoters met with councils across the region to discuss planning for and adding more shade in our districts.

We gifted lovely sunhats to each councillor and mayor as a welcome to the newly formed councils and to remind them that communities deserve shade.  

As you can see in this image at Bathgate Park in South Dunedin, the UV index is much lower in the shade, which helps keep our children safe.

It's a common misconception that the HPV vaccine only protects against cervical cancer. It is essential that all tamariki get vaccinated as it also protects against cancers of the throat, cervix, vagina and vulva, penis, and anus.

If you have a child in Year 8, look out for the HPV vaccine consent form. Remember to complete and return it. If your school doesn't participate in the HPV vaccination programme, get it free at your medical centre.

Visit cancer.org.nz/hpv-vaccination to find out more.

Our home visitors seem know just the right moment to offer the help and support the client needs: whether that's a well-timed cup of tea and a chat, help with shopping or day-to-day errands, taking them for a drive or stepping in to give a carer a break.

Volunteer support can add such a lot of value to our services and help the team to reach so many more people.

Get involved by contacting volunteer@cansoc.org.nz or apply online now:

The Longest Day golf challenge 2022/23 was a huge success thanks to the 115 energetic and determined players who participated in the 24-hour, 72-hole challenge this December and January.

This year's players have raised an impressive $127,806 to support people affected by cancer in Otago and Southland!

Our division came in 2nd on the Cancer Society of New Zealand leaderboard, chasing Auckland-Northland closely at $157,102.

The Dunedin-based Otago Golf Club team was our division's winningest fundraising team, achieving an astonishing $26,419 with 20 golfers on their team - and that's just one of 37 teams across Otago and Southland to take on the challenge.

» See the ODT article here 

Individually, Sam Paardekooper from Central Otago raised the most funds at $13,222, alongside his Moore Golf teammates Willie, Russ, and Sanga. 

Thank you to all of our fundraisers, and we hope to see you again this December!

Celebrate • Remember • Fight Back

Small steps can make a remarkable difference for people affected by cancer in our community.

Join us for Relay For Life North Otago 4th March, Wānaka 18th March, or Otago Students 25th March, and let's do something remarkable together!

Everyone and anyone can get involved, so rally your friends, whānau, classmates, and workmates - and join your community in the fight against cancer.

Major Partners

Mitre 10 MEGA North Otago & Wanaka, OUSA

Media Partners

The Breeze, MoreFM, and The Edge

Register your team by 19th Feb to go in the draw!

All teams that sign up to Relay For Life Wānaka by Sunday 19th February will go into the prize draw to win an overnight glamping experience at the event - courtesy of Explore Life Glamping.

The lucky winning team will have the choice of either:
6 king-single beds in the tent 

OR

A large couch that seats 4-5, a couple of mattresses on the floor and a few beanbags

Last year, Dunedin's longstanding volunteer and fundraiser Julie Moyle and her wider whānau raised a massive $17,169 by hosting a backyard Relay Your Way. Julie's incredible passion for supporting people affected by cancer has made a real difference to our patients 💜

You can do it, too! Relay Your Way is a guided experience that combines all the best parts of Relay with the luxury of walking when you want, with who you want, and where you want.

We've made it easy for you Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back with free Spotify playlists for the ceremonies, a free online donation page for your event, and more at:

In awareness of #WorldCancerDay last Saturday, Dunedin Cosplay Society decided to dress up to raise funds; together they raised a fantastic $263! Thank you so much!

"We are a group of people who are interested in costume making, cosplay, and constructing cool things. We have decided to fundraise for our local Cancer Society charity, as many of our members have personally been affected by cancer."

Also, a huge thank you to the Dunedin's Golden Centre Mall, Meridian Mall Dunedin and Wall Street Mall for their support of the fundraiser.

Are you interested in creating your own community fundraiser to help support the Cancer Society? If so, get in touch with Frances to start your donor journey.

Frances Morgan

Donor Care & Community Fundraising - Otago & Southland

frances.morgan@cansoc.org.nz

If you live in Coastal Otago, you're likely to see Jemma supporting our fundraising events, like the upcoming Relay For Life North Otago and Relay For Life Otago Students.

Jemma Tunoka

Events & Community Campaigns - Dunedin

jemma.tunoka@cansoc.org.nz

The effects of cancer can be wide-reaching and devastating, but we can all take action to support those in our community. 

We're so thankful for every bit of support we receive.  To recognise businesses who make regular and generous payments, we've set up our Local Heroes programme.

We welcome Baxter Design and Aburns Glass as our new Local Hero Partners, we are so grateful for this support, it makes such a difference.  

If your business would like to become a Local Hero Partner, please email localhero@cansoc.org.nz or call Jonet on 021 244 4485.

Every year over 25,000 New Zealanders hear the news they have cancer. 

Our support services, prevention programmes, and ground-breaking cancer research are only possible because of New Zealanders like Paul.

Paul's support for our work

Paul's beloved wife of 43 years, Myra, passed away from lung cancer. He is so thankful for the dedicated support and care Myra received in the last stage of her battle with cancer.

Paul saw many young people having treatment at the same time as Myra and hopes the gift in his will can help families that need it.

We are committed to honouring your gift by giving hope and care to those with cancer today and reducing cancer for tomorrow's generation.