Staff Give Present to Improve Cancer Education

21 December 2006

Westpac Staff Give An Early Christmas Present to Improve Cancer Education in New Zealand

Westpac has embraced the Christmas spirit this year, donating a total of $40,000 to the Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer Foundations of New Zealand.

The money raised was split evenly between the two not-for-profit organisations as a part of Westpac’s annual Christmas donation, which has been running for the past three years.

Barry Young, President and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, was honoured and surprised at the $20,000 donation presented to him by Westpac today.

“Westpac’s donation, along with the thousands of donations received from New Zealanders who participated in Movember, will help us continue our work educating people and helping men who suffer from prostate cancer.

“Donations are crucial in helping us achieve our objectives and we rely heavily on support from organisations such as Westpac,” said Mr Young.

According to Mr Young, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand has become more than just a support network for men and families dealing with prostate cancer, but also for men with other forms of cancer and general health concerns.

“Men’s health issues have been one of New Zealand’s unspoken topics for far too long, but luckily this is now beginning to change,” adds Mr Young.

Head of Community Involvement for Westpac, Yvonne Codde, said that the decision to donate to the two organisations was decided by Westpac staff across New Zealand.

“Westpac has a charitable programme in place where all money donated by staff to charities is matched by the company. This year staff donations reflected a genuine interest in helping fund cancer research and support groups.”

“Cancer is something that affects a huge number of New Zealanders and their families, so it made sense to continue to support them through this year’s Christmas donation,” said Ms Codde.

Westpac also supports a number of charities on an ongoing basis, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Life Education Trust.

ENDS

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