News Type: Fundraising

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ chosen as Ryman’s new charity partner

Ryman Healthcare residents and team members have picked Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand charity to support for the coming year.

All fundraising efforts by residents and team members for the next 12 months will be matched by Ryman Healthcare dollar-for-dollar.

Ryman CEO NZ Cheyne Chalmers said the annual charity partnership program holds a special place in the heart of “who we are” as an organisation.

“It exemplifies our commitment to making a difference, not just in the lives of our residents but in the lives of those in need…,” Cheyne said.

In the previous year Ryman Healthcare donated a ‘phenomenal’ $474,511 to the Fred Hollows Foundation eye health cause.

“We’re at Anthony Wilding village this afternoon to present the combined donation to the Fred Hollows Foundation, and also to announce our next charity partner. And so all of the work that has gone in over the last year over all our villages in New Zealand, with our residents and our team members, today is the culmination of that,” Cheyne said this week.

At the village event Fred Hollows Foundation NZ Chair Craig Fisher spoke about the good eye health work that will be enabled by the donation, and similar donations in Australia.

“Thank you to all of the staff and especially the residents of Ryman Healthcare and all of the villages around the country…,” Craig said.

“How we split up the world, is that the Australian foundation looks after Africa and Asia and New Zealand looks after the Pacific. So for the past 20 years we’ve been actively operating in the Pacific. We have now done over 1,100,000 eye health consultations, 88,000 surgeries but the thing that makes me the proudest is that most of those have been done by people who have been from the Pacific, trained in the Pacific for the Pacific…

“So we have trained now over 350 eye health experts, both doctors and nurses.”

Just as delighted was Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand Business Manager Annabel Lush who said the year ahead would be an exciting one. “I’m here with my colleague Anna. We are just two of the staff, throughout the country, who were overjoyed when we heard the news we are the successful recipient charity for the next 12 months…

“We also have the chance to work with you to raise awareness about blood cancer in New Zealand, raise awareness about the symptoms which are quite difficult to diagnose until it becomes a very serious disease to have.”

Cheyne said Ryman was really looking forward to working with the Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ team. The fundraising efforts of Ryman’s residents, as well as the dollar-for-dollar matching by Ryman Healthcare.

“The work never stops in the villages, they’re always fundraising for our charity partners – and with a bit of healthy competition they work hard, and fast, to meet their targets,” Cheyne said.

Ryman has donated $5.5 million to charities through its annual partnership programme since 1999. Residents contribute through seen bake sales, raffles, quiz nights, and special dress up days. For each dollar raised by residents and staff Ryman Healthcare chips in another dollar.

Other recent charity partners include Prostate Cancer Foundation, Melanoma New Zealand, Alzheimers NZ and the Breast Cancer Foundation.

About Ryman:
Ryman Healthcare was founded in Christchurch in 1984 and owns and operates 45 retirement villages in New Zealand and Australia. Ryman villages are home to 13,900 residents, and the company employs 6,800 staff.

Hair raising event with Hilary Barry

Hilary Barry helped to raise $43,000 for charity recently when she hosted a virtual event where 25 people decided to ‘Shave Live to Save Lives.’

“People came together to shave off their lockdown hair. It was a live online fundraiser for a wonderful cause supporting thousands of Kiwis with blood cancer,” says Hilary Barry.

25 people went bald for charity representing many different locations far and wide across New Zealand.

Shave Live is part of the iconic Shave for a Cure fundraising event by Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC). The Covid-19 environment forced the cancellation of their usual fundraising events creating a gaping hole in their income.

“We were facing a 70% revenue loss because of Covid-19 – so it was sink or swim for many charities like us. We made a conscious decision to innovate and change the way we do things. This includes moving fundraising events online such as Live Shave. Organisations need to think quickly and become agile to survive the new normal the virus has created,” says Peter Fergusson, CEO of LBC.

Hilary was pleased to be involved in the first-ever mass shave event streaming online for the charity.

“I’ve been involved in Shave for a Cure for a number of years and enjoy getting on the clippers, with varying degrees of success. But this year because of Covid we did things a little differently which is exciting,” says Hilary Barry

LBC provides support services to ease the burden that blood cancer patients face. Being in lockdown posed challenges, but the organisation took it their stride by adapting to a new approach.

“Our team worked around-the-clock, through all alert levels changing the way we do things. We were determined to maximise the care and support we offered regardless of Covid-19 barriers. Support groups moved online, and we live-streamed online patient Q&A sessions with health professionals. We increased the help we give to the most vulnerable patients by keeping in close contact by phone, text, and online. We changed the format of the annual patient conference to an online symposium,” says Peter Fergusson.

The money raised from Live Shave will go towards emotional and practical support for patients – as well as education, advocacy and investment in research to find a cure.

Live Shave was such a roaring success; it will become a regular event for LBC. While it might be over, for now, people can still participate in Shave for a Cure. Hilary has some tips for people keen to get into the action.

“I encourage anyone to sign up to Shave for a Cure – it runs all year round. It’s a fantastic way to show your support for blood cancer patients. What better way to get a new lid than to raise money for charity at the same time. And if its a disaster, don’t worry, it’ll always grow back! If you’re too shy to shave you can always donate,” says Hilary. Learn more here https://shaveforacure.co.nz/

About Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand: Every day, six kiwi’s will discover they have a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity dedicated to supporting them. The organisation aims to ease the emotional and practical burden carried by patients and invests in research to find a cure. With no direct government funding, fundraising is essential to allow LBCs life-changing work to continue. Thanks for your support and for caring about blood cancer patients as much as we do.

Sky Tower grants special access to businesses and the public

Businesses and people who want to kick start their fitness are quick to sign-up for the unique opportunity to climb 1,103 stairs of the largest structure in the southern hemisphere with the Step Up Sky Tower Stair Challenge on August 9th.

“What a buzz to climb the Sky Tower stairs, which is normally a restricted area for the public. It’s a massive vertical rush and an epic feeling when you reach the top and take a selfie over the Hauraki Gulf. It’s all for a good cause, to support patients living with blood cancer,” says Will Laery from the BNZ team.

Will competed last year, and he can’t wait to do it all over again in 2019.

“I had a blast last year!  It’s a great team building exercise with my workmates.  It’s also a fun, physical challenge that helps with office well-being and stress-busting,” says Will. Participants can compete as an individual or make it even more fun with a team.

“Grab your workmates, your mates….or whoever you can to create a team of three or five. It’s a high energy event for all levels of fitness.  It is your only chance to take on the Southern Hemisphere’s largest building in 2019. There are limited places available, so I encourage people to register soon and start training. ,” says Peter Fergusson CEO of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Amy Trigg has signed up with a team of three and has started fundraising using her social media contacts. “I’ll test my time against Dad who competed in the sister event; the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge. He loved it so much I want to see for myself what all the fuss is about. It also gives me the chance to get fit while supporting my favourite charity,” says Amy.

According to LBC, there is an awards ceremony in the Sky Tower after the event where competitors can enjoy drinks and nibbles while meeting other teams.

“When I finish the challenge I’m going out for a meal with my team and a cold beer in the Sky Tower. You need a beer after these things – it’s well earned,” says Amy.

Registrations have just opened, and already teams and individuals are battling to be top of the fundraising leader board. The fundraising total will climb over the coming weeks as teams across the country raise money through office bake sales, raffles, movie nights and inter-office sweepstakes.

LBC receives no government funding, so fundraising is essential, and the goal for this event is $550,000.  Money raised will provide emotional and practical support to blood cancer patients as well as education and research to find a cure.

This event is only made possible thanks to the generosity of  LBCs main sponsor SKYCITY.

“We’re thrilled to once again support and host the Step Up Sky Tower Stair Challenge for our charity partner, LBC. Every year, we encourage the public and our SkyCity employees to take part and always get an overwhelming response. We encourage anyone who is thinking of participating, whether it be in a team, or individually, to give it a go.” says Brad Burnett, GM – SKYCITY Hotels & Tower.

Limited places available, to register or find out more go to the website https://stepupclimb.org.nz/

 

 

Firefighters Smash Records for Charity

Firefighters have fundraised a recording breaking $1,307,637.02 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) on the 15th anniversary of the annual Firefighters Sky Tower Stair Challenge on Saturday.

“Firefighters and their communities have a burning desire to help our charity. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and dedication – especially smashing 14 years worth of fundraising on the anniversary of this special event. We don’t receive any government funding, so the money raised is the backbone of our service to support patients,” says CEO of LBC, Peter Fergusson.

This year was particularly memorable for DJ aged 11 from Auckland who has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. DJ become an honorary fireman for the day, with a helmet and mini firefighter uniform. He wasn’t able to climb the 1103 stairs himself, so he completed a portion of the challenge accompanied by his heroes from the fire service – Philip Shore and John Danes from Waiuku Brigade as well as Tony Scott from Airport Rescue Fire Auckland.

John Danes did something extra special and donated his trusty firefighting helmet to DJ before the event.

“It was challenging, and fun and I want to do it again. When I get better I want to train to be a fireman so I can join the Waiuku fire brigade and be in this event running all the 51 floors with them,” says DJ.

Donal McGoldrick, a Support Services Co-ordinator from LBC who has worked with DJ over the last year, accompanied him and the firefighters to the finish line.

“It has been a rough year for DJ, so it’s great to be a part of something that puts a smile on his face. It was deeply moving to do something special like this for him,” says Donal.

Firefighters in the event ran up 51 flights of stairs in the Sky Tower with 25kg worth of firefighting kit and breathing apparatus. This year the Firefighters of Steel category added another 9 floors to the challenge finishing on the 60th floor. A new rural category was trialled, some rural firefighters raced with a chainsaw strapped to their back instead of an oxygen cylinder.

Genesis Energy ERT from Genesis Huntly Power Station took the honour of being the top fundraising team, raising an astounding $61,003 for LBC. Henry Wilson from Silverstream Brigade in Wellington raised $21,135 and received the accolade as the top individual fundraiser in the event.

Josh Harrison from Mt Wellington came first overall, reaching the 51st floor in just eight minutes and 34 seconds. Ady Mckenzie from Whangarei was the fastest female with a time of 11 minutes and 20 seconds. Other race results can be found here.

“A unique challenge like this is not reserved just for the firefighting community – the public can get involved too with the Step Up Sky Tower Challenge on the 9th of August. This is the only time the general public get access to climb 1,103 stairs of the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. At the same time, you will be supporting blood cancer patients. There are limited places available, so I encourage people to register soon and start training,” says Peter.

To register or find out more information, please email events@leukaemia.org.nz

Firefighters Raise 7.2 million for Cancer Charity

May 18th is a special day for 1000 firefighters gathering at the base of the Sky Tower for the 15th anniversary of the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge – a fundraising event to support Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).

“I’m humbled by the passion, effort and generosity of the firefighting community. That generosity has culminated in 7.2 million dollars over the last 15 years to support blood cancer patients. It is the link back to the communities around the country and level of funds raised that make this event special,” says CEO of LBC Peter Fergusson.

Photographs of cancer survivors and those who have passed, decorate firefighters helmets and the walls of the sky tower as they run up 51 flights of stairs in the name of charity. Families watching are clutching photos of loved ones affected by cancer, as they cheer on the firefighters.

“The photos tug at your heartstrings as you pass them one by one, going up the tower. It’s an emotional day, and we are pushed to our limits physically. It’s intense running up 1,103 stairs wearing breathing apparatus and 25kgs worth of firefighting kit,” says Tony Scott (Scottie) who is the firefighter organising and participating in this event since it began.

Paul Austin and his fire service team from Marsden 22 Refinery will be carrying a photo of Florence London, a four-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Paul met a friend of Florence’s family by chance in a park, and he has decided to dedicate the Sky Tower climb to her. Florence is currently undergoing treatment at Starship hospital.

Norman Bradshaw, a firefighter from Ellerslie Fire station, is a blood cancer survivor and is also competing in the event.

“It is an opportunity to show my gratitude to the amazing people at Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand who supported me when I needed it. It’s incredible to play a part in raising money in the search to find a cure for blood cancer,” says Norman.

Other ways fundraising from this event helps LBC is by providing emotional and practical support, education and patient advocacy.

The event has 10% of New Zealand’s fire service participating. The actual challenge starts when registrations open, this year the event sold out in 32 minutes with 200 on the waiting list.

Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge started from humble beginnings. In the early days, 88 firefighters fundraised $17,500. This year it’s 1000 firefighters who are on track to conquering a million dollar fundraising target. Participants in 2019 include 38 international firefighters from USA, Croatia, Cook Islands and Australia.

“LBC does not receive government funding. The support of brigades and their communities provides the backbone of our service to those patients who need it most,” says Peter.

This event is only made possible thanks to the generosity of SKYCITY and Auckland Airport.

“For 15 years we have partnered with Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand. SKYCITY is proud to continue to support this incredible charity and this fundraising event through our icon, the Sky Tower,” says Brad Burnett, GM – SKYCITY Hotels & Tower.

If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please go to firefightersclimb.org.nz

Monkey in My Chair

Monkey in my Chair is an innovative programme designed to keep young leukaemia and blood cancer patients connected to their classmates while they undergo treatment, and is available to LBC families in New Zealand.

When a child is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood condition, treatment often starts right away and this can lead to absences from school which can be unsettling for the patient, their classmates and teacher.

The Monkey in My Chair programme has proven to be a very successful therapeutic resource overseas and in New Zealand, and helps to keep young patients, teachers and classmates connected in a really positive, supportive and compassionate way.

When a young person is away from school, the bigger of the two monkeys sits in the student’s chair, while the smaller monkey keeps the patient company while they are missing their friends at school.

Classmates are encouraged to include the big monkey in lessons and send messages and news to their friend using Monkey’s bright yellow backpack. LBC’s support services staff work with a patient’s parents and school to use the kits in a way which is easy, fun and helpful for everyone involved.

Each Monkey in My Chair kit comes with two adorable fluffy monkeys plus a range of educational books, teacher guides and LBC resources.

Each Monkey in My Chair kit costs $100. Click here to make a donation today and give the gift of a Monkey in my Chair for a child. 

How your Donations Fund Research

Your donations to research, channelled through LBC, now total $7 million since the first grant in 2011. Your donations remain one of the main sources of haematology research funding in New Zealand.

The Leukeamia & Blood Cancer Research Unit (LBCRU) sits within the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, and was established in 2013 with an initial commitment of $1,250,000 from LBC.

The team is identifying blood cancers’ molecular markers that will allow more targeted medical care, avoid aggressive treatments when they are not necessary, and pave the way to new therapies for blood cancer and blood conditions.

Make a donation to research today

Police chase donuts to support blood cancer patients

Wellington police have shown their support for blood cancer patients by entering a team called The Donut Chasers in the Stadium Climb Wellington event on Friday 16th November.

“We’ve got an advantage because we can issue speeding tickets to competitors trying to overtake us on the course. They would be fake tickets of course,” says Senior Sergeant Kate Saxton from the Royal New Zealand Police College.

Leukaemia Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the organisation running the event to raise money for Wellington locals affected by blood cancer.

“It is a high energy event for the people of Wellington with an emphasis on fun. Locals get the opportunity to climb 4,500 steps in time to music and they can win prizes. What better location than the iconic rugby venue Westpac stadium,” says LBC Chief Executive Officer Peter Fergusson.

The Donut Chasers are well on their way to reaching their fundraising target. To get sponsorship they have been ‘on the case’ of family, friends and local businesses.

“I encourage other Wellington organisations to enter. It could be a fun team building exercise, fitness training or social club activity,” says Kate.
 

Stadium Climb Wellington is a special event for another participant, Chris Revell.

Chris used to be a referee and has refereed at Westpac stadium. He is competing in honour of his father Alan who died of myeloid leukaemia.

“I shared my love of rugby with Dad. We had season passes and would watch the games together when I was not refereeing. I have an affinity with this venue and being involved will be powerful and bring back many memories,” says Chris.

Chris has set some ambitious fitness goals to get ready for the event.

“There are 21 floors in the ANZ Centre, I run up and down the building seven times during a typical training session. Not everyone involved will take it as seriously as me. I’m motivated by the opportunity to raise money for blood cancer patients. My advice to Wellingtonians who are thinking about signing-up ……just do it!” says Chris.

The event is on Friday 16 November from 3pm. For more information or to register please visit the Stadium Climb website.

Thank you for supporting Dining for a Difference!

Thank you so much for those people who supported Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) at the SKYCITY Dining for a Difference event on 18th October 2018.

Dining for a Difference was a special evening and over $170,000 was raised on the night for blood cancer patients around the country. The wonderful support from people who purchased tickets and also sponsors helped to make this all possible.

One hundred percent of the funds raised go directly to LBC to improve our support services and reach more patients. This enables us to provide emotional and practical support as well as information, education, emergency assistance, advocacy and research investment to find a cure.

CEO Peter Fergusson reminded us in his speech that night that demand for our services is increasing. Which is understandable when one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer every four hours in New Zealand and there are an estimated 21,000 people living with a blood cancer in our country.

While these statistics are startling, it is important to remember there are real people behind these numbers. During the event, we heard Oliver and Mikaela (pictured) tell the heartbreaking story of baby Ambrose who was diagnosed with leukaemia within a few hours of being born. When he was only a few days old Ambrose was facing chemotherapy and an uncertain future. It has been a rollercoaster journey for him and his family and LBC were happy to provide the support they needed. Thankfully Ambrose is now well and we will look forward to helping other patients like him with future events like this.

Check out our Facebook album of SKYCITY Dining for a Difference 2018.

Peter Gordon unites top chefs for charity dinner

A star-studded chef line up including Al Brown, Nic Watt, and Kasey and Karena Bird will be brought together by Kiwi legend Peter Gordon for a fine dining dinner raising funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).

SKYCITY Dining for a Difference, this year held on 13 October, is the brainchild of internationally celebrated chef Peter Gordon and has raised more than $1.25 million for LBC since 2007. LBC supports patients and families with blood cancers – leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related conditions.

The biennial event sees 300 guests presented with a four-course menu and matching wines. There is a draw on the night where guests find out which chef will be cooking for their table, allowing each chef to showcase a unique menu to their guests.

Peter Gordon has an enduring passion for the event that supports a cause close to his heart. “To be able to hold this event, with the support of so many talented chefs who give their time generously, is such an honour. We’re all here with one main goal in mind – to help fight blood cancer,” says Peter.

In 1994, Peter’s sister Tracey was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. The following year a bone marrow transplant took place, using Peter’s marrow. Luckily for the Gordon whānau, the transplant was successful, and Tracey now leads a healthy life.

The final list of chefs generously donating their time is yet to be released; however, 15 chefs from across Australasia will take part.

An exclusive auction is also held on the night with highly anticipated prizes, including the opportunity to win a memorable evening with Peter Gordon as he cooks dinner at the winner’s home.

The profits raised through SKYCITY Dining for a Difference will go to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, the national organisation that helps patients and families with blood cancers – leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related conditions.

This event is made possible by the generous support of event sponsors, including SKYCITY, I want orange and LEO Print Solutions. Tickets are limited for this exclusive event. To buy tickets or for more information see SKYCITY Dining for a Difference or contact Annabel on 021 823 176.