MINISTER AUCTIONED FOR CANCER SUFFERERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 29 DECEMBER 1999
Minister of Customs and Consumer Affairs, Phillida Bunkle, has offered her time as a child minder over New Year’s Eve to
the highest bidder.
Any family or parent prepared to provide the most generous assistance to the women and families suffering as a result of
the Gisborne cervical cancer disaster will have the childcare services of Phillida Bunkle for the millennium eve.
“If this was a natural disaster I know the generous people of New Zealand would rally together and provide great
support. This is a man made disaster but the suffering is equally as great. I’d like to see New Zealanders generously
help the Gisborne women and their families,” said Phillida Bunkle.
“Many people will be looking forward to a bright future in the new millennium but for these women and their families
there is little to celebrate. I, who have so much to look forward to, am giving my time to help those who have such an
uncertain future.”
“Some of the women are dying or terribly unwell. Donations will help relieve the pressure on them and their families
during this terrible time. Most are not getting help with the likes of childcare or travel to and from the hospital.
Some are in hospital away from their families without the comfort of family visits and support. Donations will help make
life more bearable for them.”
Phillida Bunkle will child-mind for any family in New Zealand over New Years Eve in exchange for making the most
generous donation to the Women’s Health Trust.
Bids for Phillida Bunkle’s childcare services can be made by phoning (04) 472 6696. Donations can be made at any Westpac
Trust branch. To qualify for the millennium auction donations must be made by noon on Friday 31st December.
ENDS