Prostate cancer fundraising in full swing

Media release
For immediate release
2 September 2013

Rural Women NZ prostate cancer fundraising in full swing during Blue September

‘Blue September’ is giving an added boost to Rural Women New Zealand’s six month long Y Front Up to Prostate Cancer campaign, with members holding a range of events around the country.

Some are fun and funky, such as the Onewhero evening, which includes a themed Undy 500 Y front three-legged race, blue face paint, and ‘how many people can you fit into a pair of Y fronts?’ challenge.

Others have an educational focus, with speakers including medical practitioners and prostate cancer survivors.

The Placemakers ‘Bluestreak’ made a guest appearance at a fundraising quiz night held in Blenheim which raised over $2,500 last month, while ‘spotted dick’ pudding featured on the menu of a community dinner held in Glenorchy, which raised over $1300.

“Our focus is on rural men and male farmers, says Rural Women NZ national president, Liz Evans. “At all events we’re distributing Prostate Cancer Foundation literature, highlighting the importance of men being more aware of risk factors and the latest research on screening.

“Sometimes our men need an extra nudge to get along to their doctors for a consultation.”

Prostate cancer affects over 3,000 New Zealand men each year, and last year the Ministry of Health Prostate Cancer Taskforce set out recommendations and programmes for screening, similar to those for cervical and breast cancer.

Rural Women NZ members have raised over $7000 to date, with plenty more fundraising activities still to come before a cheque is presented to the Prostate Cancer Foundation at our AGM in Wellington on 25 November.

Funds have also been raised by catering for ploughing and dog trial events, and handing out ‘pikelets for prostate cancer’ at National Fieldays in June, where the Bachelor of the Year contestants spiced up the launch of our Y Front Up campaign.

Rural Women NZ prostate cancer fundraising and awareness events to come include:

Onewhero: Master Chef and Blue September Ambassador, Brett McGregor, plus fun and games – 5 September.

Wellington: Rural Women national office Prostate Cancer Awareness Seminar – 11 September.

Pio Pio: Men’s Health Event – 12 September.

Amuri: Dance the Night Away with the Funky Hot Mamas, prostate cancer fundraiser – 27 September.

Pakawau: Pikelets for Prostate Cancer, on sale in Takaka – 1 November.

Central Taranaki Provincial: ‘Mrs Brown and her Boys’ themed evening with prostate cancer survivor Brian Jeffares – 8 November.

Ends

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