CanTeen team seek fundraising support

FOCUS: The Whangarei CanTeen team are gearing up for their fundraising drive. Clockwise from top left are Ione Tewake, Finessia Finessia, Kimi-ora Holtz, Katelin Iggo and Lil Reihana. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Northland teenagers living with cancer are gearing up for this month's CanTeen bandanna challenge.

Worn by CanTeen members who have lost their hair while undergoing treatment, and by those who want to show their support, the colourful bandannas are a concept that CanTeeners came up with to promote and fundraise for their organisation.

CanTeen is a national non-profit group supporting people aged between 13 and 24 who are living with cancer. It celebrates its awareness and fundraising week from September 14 to 29.

Northland member services youth worker Francil Tarau-Eagle is appealing to Northlanders to get behind the fundraiser.

"Any stores that would love to sell bandannas on our behalf - we would be so grateful," she said.

CanTeen Northland has more than 60 members, who are divided into patient members, sibling members and bereaved members. Money raised goes towards helping these members with costs such as transport to treatment centres in Auckland.

"[This week is] also about celebrating the milestones our members have achieved with their cancer - those in remission, those who have got out of wheelchairs and are managing to walk - and to also acknowledge those in palliative care, and those who have passed on. It's not just an appeal," Ms Tarau-Eagle said.

On September 14 the Northland branch is holding a spring garage sale at its Bank St office.

There will be a sausage sizzle, face-painting and bandannas available for sale, and Ms Tarau-Eagle is appealing for people to donate items for sale now.

Regent New World will also hold a garage sale in support of CanTeen Northland on September 21. It will include a juice bar and car washing.

On September 29 Canteen Northland will hold its annual bike bash for the fifth year.

This involves 50 bikes, each allocated to a team of six, in which people compete in activities for spot prizes. Two items are for auction at the bash - a rugby ball signed by Canteen ambassador and All Black Dan Carter, and a netball signed by CanTeen ambassador and Silver Fern Maria Tutaia.

Ms Tarau-Eagle said the charity is looking for teams to register.

"The bike bash is one of the main fundraisers for Northland - which covers Kaitaia through to Warkworth.

"Because we don't rely on government funding so every cent we raise locally counts," she said.

If you can help out, contact Ms Tarau-Eagle on 021546646.