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Child Cancer Foundation Benefits from Rugby Game
19 June 2007
A total of $2257 raised at the recent rugby game between the New Zealand and British Army senior teams was presented to the Manawatu-Wanganui branch of the Child Cancer Foundation recently at Linton.
Entry to the rugby game was free, but buckets were placed at the entrances for those who wished to make a gold coin donation.
Lieutenant Colonel Oiroa Kaihau said the total raised from the crowd of 1800-plus was more than anticipated.
“Linton Camp is proud to be associated with the Child Cancer Foundation. The disease attacks so many people so it’s fantastic to be able to help.”
On hand to accept the donation was Leanne Fecser, chairperson of the Manawatu-Wanganui Child Cancer Foundation, together with Craig Maxwell and his six year-old daughter Jessica, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2003.
“Jessica was having treatment when Nathan [Blackler] did his walk so we met up with him in Bulls and walked to Palmerston North with him, raising $1300 along the way,” says Mr Maxwell.
“I dressed up in the Pink Panther suit and stopped the traffic and asked for donations. I don’t know if we were allowed to do it but we even got a donation from the police.”
The Pink Panther is the mascot of the Child Cancer Foundation and every child diagnosed with cancer is presented with one to keep with them during treatment.
The money raised will be used to support families of children undergoing treatment for cancer in the Manawatu-Wanganui region. Currently there are 19 children undergoing treatment in this region.
“It’s fantastic, we use it for meal and petrol vouchers and it will allow our committee to offer more to our families and support them through the emotional stresses.
“We also use it for fun things such as barbecues, a Christmas party and to invite them to rugby games,” says Mrs Fecser.
“We hold bereavement and memorial services once a year for families who have lost children to cancer. It’s important to be able to offer that support.”
This page was last reviewed on 02 July 2007 and is current.
