Cancer patients on the move in Christchurch

Cancer patients on the move in Christchurch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 July 2009

Cancer patients visiting Christchurch from Canterbury, West Coast, Nelson and Marlborough regions for specialised treatment may be making the journey from their accommodation in this new 12-seater transit van donated to the Cancer Society by two of the city's Rotary Clubs - Christchurch Sunrise and Riccarton.

Cancer Society Chief Executive, Elizabeth Chesterman says the gift of the new van alleviates pressure on the Society's extremely busy volunteer driving service, which last year provided transport for 3966 outpatient appointments, and would also enable visiting patients to attend support group programmes at the Society's Centre in Manchester Street.

'We work for an organisation that is constantly overwhelmed by community generosity,' she says. 'We envisage this wonderful new vehicle will be touring the city on a regular basis picking up passengers from Davidson House and Daffodil House for appointments at the Christchurch Oncology Service.'

President of the Rotary Club of Christchurch Sunrise, Terry Jacobs says his Club's charitable trust had certainly made the right decision. 'We would like to think a service like this wasn't needed, but realistically it is - a lot.'

'Riccarton Rotary is grateful to be part of this wonderful project to support cancer patients from these regions, the funds for which were raised at our Sunday Market,' says Valda Cordes, President of the Rotary Club of Riccarton.

Christchurch Sunrise member and Charitable Trust Chairman, Steve Parr said his club had been approached by the Cancer Society with a wish list of items needed to equip its new Daffodil House accommodation service. 'Among the utensils, cutlery, bedding and towels, was a people-mover, which we saw as a tangible and visible way to raise awareness of the work of Rotary in the community.'

ENDS

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