Westfield’s Christmas Retail Therapy

Media Release Monday 25 January, 2016

WESTFIELD’S CHRISTMAS RETAIL THERAPY

Cancer charity CanTeen says $83,000 a much-needed boost

Generous Kiwis have helped raise $83,000 by getting their Christmas presents wrapped at Westfield shopping centres across the country.

A young New Zealander is diagnosed with cancer every two days. The money raised will be used to give courage and hope to young New Zealanders struggling with the uncertainty of cancer by connecting them with others who can help make sense of their journey.

One of the most important services CanTeen provides is a link to other young people who understand this difficult time. From camps and activities, to hospital visits or workshops to deal with the emotional impact of cancer, young people are given the opportunity to meet others who really „get it.

CanTeen CEO Bruce Pilbrow says without the services CanTeen provides, many young people would struggle to find each other in their situation, leaving them to face their cancer journey feeling lost and alone.

“For many of our members, CanTeen comes into their lives and provides a link to someone who can give them hope and guidance on what is to come.”

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who has donated to this campaign. It is humbling to know Westfield and their customers are behind us in our mission to ensure no young New Zealander ever fights cancer alone,” says Pilbrow.

Funds raised from Westfields gift wrapping campaign will help CanTeeners like Anna Hocquard, who says the support of other young people through CanTeen has helped her immensely.

“Cancer took me away from everything I knew, from those important friend networks, from normality and for the first time put me in a position where I actually contemplated my existence and faced the scary thought of my life being threatened by cancer.”

“When you come to CanTeen and find people to talk to who completely get it, they understand your fears and thoughts and can celebrate milestones with you. You feel calm and as though you have a voice, often for the first time in a long time,” says Anna.

It is the tenth year Westfield has supported New Zealand charities at Christmas.

Scentre Groups New Zealand Regional Manager Linda Trainer says, “Whilst we love providing the Christmas gift wrapping service, we couldnt do it without the generosity of our shoppers coming together to support a local charity in need.”

Westfields gift wrapping service ran for three weeks in the lead up to Christmas with New Zealand celebrities and CanTeen supporters including Jono & Ben, Nadia Lim, Maria Tutaia, Anna Jullienne, Pio Terei, Erin Simpson, Jacquie Brown, Mike McRoberts, Kerre McIvor and Renee Wright spreading Christmas cheer by wrapping presents.

ENDS

© Scoop Media