THE TEAM: (From left) Cheyenne Akehurst (receptionist), Yvonne Cuthbertson (Supportive Care), Sue Cox (furniture shop manager), Judy McIntyre (health promoter), Lynne Toohey (transport and volunteering), Jane Beamsley (manager and fundraiser). Absent from photo: Dr Gillian White (grants admin).
THE TEAM: (From left) Cheyenne Akehurst (receptionist), Yvonne Cuthbertson (Supportive Care), Sue Cox (furniture shop manager), Judy McIntyre (health promoter), Lynne Toohey (transport and volunteering), Jane Beamsley (manager and fundraiser). Absent from photo: Dr Gillian White (grants admin).
With Jane Beamsley having been Whanganui Cancer Society manager for a couple of months now, the centre in Koromiko Rd has had to fill a couple of positions to bring it up to full complement. "Judy McIntyre has come over from Palmerston North Cancer Society as Health Promoter," says Jane. "It'sperfect. She's a local lady, commuting at present but will be living here next year." Judy has plenty of experience in the role so no training is needed. The other position is receptionist, which has been filled by Cheyenne Akehurst. "Cheyenne was a volunteer for about a year and a half but she's now employed. It's part-time but it's a more structured role, and it's appropriate to have a familiar face at the front desk. "The other change is that Lynne Toohey has taken on the volunteer co-ordinator role as well as transport." Jane used to cover the dual roles of health promotions and volunteer co-ordinating before moving into the manager's position. "Volunteer co-ordinating went nicely with transport because all our drivers are volunteers. "So we've got a full team on board now in a very welcoming centre. If anybody gets a cancer diagnosis or is worried or unsure about about anything, they can contact us. Any questions at all." The Whanganui Centre has 135 volunteers on the books doing a range of things. "We still have volunteers on reception, helping Cheyenne, and we have our furniture shop volunteers. We are looking for more retail volunteers who are keen to help out in the showroom at the furniture shop. The shop at the Resource Recovery Centre is open two and a half days a week, but with more volunteers the hours could be extended. The former Cancer Society Shop - now closed because its building is due for demolition - will emerge each year around Daffodil Day time as a pop-up shop.
