Kia Ora Koutou

As many of you will know, Rachael Hart (former CE) has recently moved into a new position within the Cancer Society. It is an honour to be asked to provide leadership to the Cancer Society Otago/Southland Division.

I want to take a moment to introduce myself to you. My name is Nicola Coom, and I live in Tai Tapu (just out of Christchurch on the way to Akaroa) with my husband, Shaun Aitken and my three boys.

I joined the Cancer Society as the Chief Executive of Canterbury West-Coast Division, twelve months ago after spending seven years as the Executive Director for Emerge Aotearoa (a national provider of social services). The cancer sector is very important to me and I have been involved in various governance roles over the last 15 years.

It is my personal experience of cancer that drives me to seek out better outcomes and experiences for families and advocate for better access to diagnosis and treatment. Over the last fortnight, I have travelled throughout Otago and Southland (enjoying some stunning weather!) meeting with staff, donors, and volunteers. I am genuinely inspired by the passion and energy that everyone brings to this great cause. Your unwavering commitment to supporting those impacted by cancer is commendable.

📸 Nicola visiting CanShop Queenstown

During my visits, I had the opportunity to meet some of our CanShop team in Queenstown, and I was so impressed by their dedication and commitment to supporting the community. The CanShop plays a vital role in raising funds for our programs and services, and it is through their hard work, that we can offer the services we do and ensure know one goes through cancer alone. You can follow them here on Instagram - @canshopqtn

I look forward to meeting many more of you over the coming months. Please stay connected with us through various communication channels, including our website and digital platforms. We have some exciting things coming up to share with you.

Thank you for all that you do, I look forward to our future conversations.

Best regards,

Nicola Coom
Chief Executive
Southern Cancer Society  

We extend our deepest gratitude to Aotearoa Gaming Trust for their generous sponsorship of fresh daffodils for Daffodil Day. This support will bring hope and joy to those affected by cancer.

Every daffodil touches the lives of individuals and families, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey. This contribution will help us provide vital support, resources, and care to those facing the challenges of cancer. 

Aotearoa Gaming Trust's partnership is a testament to their compassion and dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Together, we make a difference. Thank you! 🌼💛

You're invited to A NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS, presented by Naylor Love and Hugo Charitable Trust ✨ Your purchase of event tickets and auction prizes will truly make a difference in the lives of people and their loved ones who are affected by cancer in the Queenstown Lakes District.

Your all-inclusive ticket for $210 per person includes a delightful evening filled with canapés upon arrival, a gorgeous three-course meal along with beverages, exciting live and silent auctions, and an outstanding live band to dance the night away 🎸

Live auction prizes are being donated in every day.  So far, we have prizes from Skyline Queenstown, Highlands, The Cosmetic Clinic, Kjet and Kāmana Lakehouse with many more to come 🛍️

Reserve your table for 10 or buy individual tickets before they sell out!

Jenny and Lynette from Dunedin held a second hand clothing fundraiser here at the ANZ George Street branch – they raised $700 to support cancer care, research, and prevention.

Thank you so much for your creativity and generosity - just amazing!

If you've got a creative idea to fundraise in your own unique way – we'll help make it happen. Get involved at youcanforcancer.org.nz

A brain tumour and a relationship breakup turned the world upside down for Zains, a mother of three young children and refugee from Iraq. Thanks to supporters like you, Graham from the Cancer Society was there for Zains.

"They found out I had a brain tumour. It was a lot to take. I wanted to just forget about it, focus on the kids..." says Zains.

Every day, 71 New Zealanders will hear the words 'I'm sorry, you have cancer'. The news is always unsettling, and parents of young children, like Zains, begin to think about the difficult conversations they need to have with their kids.

Zains was referred to Supportive Care Coordinator Graham, who offered emotional support and a whole toolbox of "how to" guides and video resources to help Zains initiate challenging conversations with her children. Will you donate today to help people with cancer to navigate tricky discussions around their diagnosis?

Southland's first Area Coordinator team meeting of 2023 was held on Thursday, 25 May in Invercargill. The meeting provided an opportunity for our "ACs" to share ideas, learn from each other, and to  set the scene for the success of Daffodil Day on Friday, 25th August.

"It's a meeting that reminds me of the importance our dedicated volunteers bring to the overall success of the Cancer Society," said Southland's Volunteer Coordinator Caroline.

"This group of passionate volunteers are representing the Cancer Society across our local communities. They are on the ground ensuring fresh daffodils will fill the windows of their local shops, donations buckets will be full, and the community will gain a greater understanding of the role our Cancer Society plays in supporting whānau/families affected by cancer."

The Dunedin and Coastal Otago and Central and Queenstown Lakes teams are looking forward meeting with Area Coordinators in their regions over the next few weeks.

Join the Daffodil Day volunteer crew in:

Central Otago | Dunedin & East Otago | Southland

The Health Promotion team wrapped up a busy month promoting World Smokefree May across the region, including a pop-up event in Invercargill, where Smokefree Bear met some passionate local students.

With this year's "We're Backing You" theme, we focused on the team effort to support whānau to quit and stay Smokefree. The key messages focus on whanaungatanga and wrap-around support, who provides it, and how.

"Taituara, taiwhare, taieke" is the whakatauākī for the purpose of this year's World Smoke Free May, roughly translated to "with backing even the tallest of oceans waves can be conquered".

Our Smokefree Otago coalition also hosted an online giveaway that saw 5 lucky winners take away a Smokefree prize pack: click here to read about it

Southern Stop Smoking Service

Email: admin@stopsmoking.nz

Phone: 0800 925 242

Website: Visit website

Our Health Promoters Bridget Forsyth and Linda Buxton have added two new cafes to the Fresh Air Project which supports hospitality venues to have outdoor dining areas that are totally Smokefree and Vapefree:

The Black Shag Boutique Café in Invercargill and Dunedin's Heritage Coffee.

You can read about the clean air approach that the owners of Heritage Coffee have made here.

Our Health Promoter Jamie Seymour in Queenstown has been busy working with Queenstown Lakes District Council on submissions to their Annual Plan 2023-24, the Activities in Public Places Bylaw, and the Alcohol Restrictions Bylaw. She's engaging Council on progressing their Smokefree/Vapefree policy for the district and enhancing their current Alcohol Restrictions Bylaw.

Tanya helped nurse her beloved mum through an incredibly tough oral cancer journey. This experience, and ultimately losing her mum to cancer, helped grow Tanya's passion for Cancer Society's work, and made leaving a gift in her will a decision that she knows will make a powerful difference.

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

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.