Media Release September 2008
Guardian Trust Delivers Anonymous Gift To The Cancer Society
A low-profile charitable trust has gifted $40,000 to the Canterbury West Coast Division of the Cancer Society of New
Zealand. This month Guardian Trust administered the payment from the trust in support of the Society’s mission to
improve community wellbeing by reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in the community.
The name and details of the trust shall remain anonymous, in accordance with instructions made in the trust deed.
Bequest donations are an important contribution to the Cancer Society’s annual income. The Canterbury West Coast
Division must raise approximately $3.25 million each year to undertake its comprehensive annual cancer programme, which
helps to provide free services to the community.
The Cancer Society provides three primary sets of services. The support, advocacy, accommodation and information
services help those people coping with cancer, their families and health professionals. Health promotion and education
provides information to the general public, schools, and health professionals about prevention, awareness and lobbying
on health issues. Lastly, research funding provides grants and scholarships for several areas of cancer research.
Cancer Society Chief Executive Liz Chesterman said, “The Canterbury West Coast Division is delighted with the gifted
donation from the trust, which will be used in many areas of assistance. Without these special gifted donations, we
could not continue to provide comprehensive, accessible and free cancer services, programmes, support and advocacy to
our community.”
Ms Chesterman said the donation may be used to extend the freephone helpline 0800 CANCER. “The Canterbury West Coast
Division covers an extensive geographical area and this means many people have to travel long distances to receive
appropriate cancer care. We have invested considerable resources into the freephone service so that people are not
further penalised. This service employs three specialist oncology nurses based in our Christchurch Centre who answer the
calls we receive from all over the South Island.”
Guardian Trust Client Manager Angela MacMillan said, “We are pleased to be administering these funds for such important
work – this will help some of the many thousands of New Zealanders affected by cancer. It also highlights that privacy
can be maintained for the charitable donor, which is important to many people.”
Earlier this year, Guardian Trust launched its Centre of Philanthropy, and is the trustee of more than 450 charitable
trusts providing approximately $26 million annually for the benefit of New Zealanders. The Centre provides a platform
for private philanthropists to choose the best way to structure and target their giving by better understanding the
options available.
The cheque was presented by Anthony Lilley of Guardian Trust to Liz Chesterman earlier this month.
ends