Challenge to 'Go Junk Free' in June

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

GO Junk Free in June and raise money for the Gisborne East Coast branch of the Cancer Society. That’s the challenge, which is to be launched tomorrow at the former Manutuke Herbs premises in Peel Street from 10am to noon.

“If you’re out and about around morning tea time then come and join us and support Junk Free June,” says Cancer Society GEC centre manager, Judy Livingston

All funds raised from Junk Free June will be donated to the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

“The more money participants raise, the more discount codes, vouchers and prizes they receive from brands like Huffer, Audi NZ, Smashbox Cosmetics and New Balance.”

Last year around 1000 participants nationwide raised $357,000.

“Gisborne people raised approximately $2300,” said Ms Livingston. “This year we are hoping more people will take part in this healthy lifestyles initiative. You don’t have to give up all junk food, or even junk food for that matter,” said Ms Livingston. “It could be TV screen-time, stress, sugar in your tea or decluttering your house and having a fundraising garage sale. You could go the whole hog and eat no chocolate for a month.

“Aside from raising money, we hope it helps people understand the need to be healthier and encourages people to support each other to do that. A third of all cancer deaths are preventable, particularly breast and bowel cancers, predominantly through healthy eating, early detection and exercise.”

Cancer Society Central Districts chief executive Clare Crawley says the society does not receive funding from central government.

“Junk Free June is a fabulous way of supporting the Cancer Society in your local community, staying healthy and encouraging others to support you.”

Money raised in Gisborne-East Coast will stay in the area. The Cancer Society offers a wide array of services but most people only become aware of those services when they need them. Services include driving patients to appointments, hospital visits, welfare support, massage therapy, advocacy, counselling services and support groups, coordinating and a link to other services they might need. The GEC branch co-ordinates breast prosthetic services and provides wigs and turbans, none of which would be possible without the support of volunteers and donors.

For more about Junk Free June visit www.junkfreejune.org.nz or go to the GEC branch at the Morris Adair Building at Gisborne Hospital.