Daffodil Day money reaches those who need it most

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21 August 2009

"Daffodil Day money reaches those who need it most"

In the lead-up to Daffodil Day next Friday, the Cancer Society is reassuring the public that all its collectors throughout central Christchurch, Canterbury and West Coast regions are volunteers, and that 87% of funds raised by the Division is spent on core services for cancer patients and families, health education programmes, and cancer research.

With the spotlight on charities and calls for greater transparency, Canterbury West Coast division chief executive Elizabeth Chesterman says that money raised on Daffodil Day is spent in the region in which it is raised.

In the 12 months to 31 March, the Division spent $1,457,002 (50%) of its $2,915,589 funding on support services for cancer patients, their families and carers, including the Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (226 237) – staffed by oncology nurses who provide information on diagnosis, treatments and living with cancer. Over the past 12 months, 2738 calls were received in addition to email and face to face requests.

The Christchurch-based Support Services team supported 590 patients during the year, helping to bridge gaps with emotional, practical and financial support, these services replicated from Centres in Timaru, Greymouth, Ashburton and Cheviot. A wide range of support services include driving people to appointments, providing meals, supported accommodation for patients from throughout the region who need a home in Christchurch during the course of treatment, peer support and counseling, as well as group programmes such as Gynaecological Support, Lost Chord Club and Advanced Cancer Group.

Twenty-two percent ($640,720) of the Division's funds were spent on health education programmes, many of these collaborative efforts with city councils and DHBs to promote healthy lifestyles in our communities. The Division has been particularly successful in encouraging schools to become SunSmart accredited with registrations higher than the national average. Grants for shade development were made to schools such as the Amuri Area School in North Canterbury, Governors Bay School, Sacred Heart School in Reefton, St Joseph' School in Temuka and Timaru, and Woolston School in Christchurch, among others.

Funds of $443,235 (15) were devoted to research, including a $325,000 levy towards national scientific cancer research. The Cancer Society is the largest funder of cancer research after the government.

Local research projects receiving grants included funding for Postdoctoral Research Fellow, So Young Moon, to further her study in investigating the significance of beta-defensin genes in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Twenty-two education grants enabled specialist health professionals to attend international conferences, among these funding for three nursing specialists to attend the 15th UICC 'Research to Recovery' International Breast Cancer Support Conference in Brisbane.

The Society's Canterbury West Coast division has a lean administration team, with 13% ($374,632) of its budget covering salaries, occupancy, staff training, administration overheads and professional fees.

"We would not be able to provide these services without the continuity generosity of the community on Daffodil Day," says Elizabeth Chesterman.

"And quite simply, we wouldn't be here without the dedicated efforts of our volunteers. These wonderful people are involved in all aspects of our services, from driving patients to their appointments at the Oncology Service, baking and meals, assistance with health promotion, reception and administration tasks at each of our Centres in Christchurch, Timaru and Greymouth and, of course on Daffodil Day.

"I give you my assurance that a donation to the Cancer Society on Daffodil Day will reach those who need it most."

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