Leukaemia Appeal Week 2009

To launch Leukaemia Appeal Week, the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) has appointed Hilary Barry to be the first ever ambassador to promote the Foundation’s work. Hilary has been closely involved with the LBF for over four years helping to raise funds, but officially became an ambassador on November 4th 2008.  

Hilary Barry kicked off Appeal Week along with television personality Alison Mau by hosting a Lunch for Leukaemia at the Villa Maria Estate Winery to show their support for people living with leukaemia.

Hilary Barry, LBF’s new national ambassador, says: “I have been involved with LBF for the past few years after a colleague of mine at TV3 was diagnosed with leukaemia. She told me that the LBF had quite literally saved her life.  The organisation provided her with all the information she needed about her disease and was there with vital support when she needed it.

"The work of the LBF in New Zealand is essential in providing support services to a growing number of patients,” she continued.

"I'm delighted to be involved with the LBF and look forward to helping them to raise awareness of the organisation and funds for ongoing services."

Six children and adults in New Zealand are diagnosed everyday with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood condition and this figure is set to rise. Leukaemia is the leading childhood cancer and blood cancers combined are the fifth most common cancer in this country.

Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of the LBF, says: “We are absolutely thrilled that Hilary has become our first ever ambassador for the LBF. She has generously supported us over the years with many of our fundraising events and we are so appreciative to have her involved with our organisation in this way.

“The diagnosis of leukaemia can have far-reaching consequences for patients and their families. The LBF receives no government funding.  As such, the energy and enthusiasm of people like Hilary is invaluable and ultimately makes our work possible,” Etcheverry concluded. 

BNZ Closed for the community good
On 4 November 6 groups from BNZ participated in the LBF ‘6 a day challenge’ to help the LBF raise awareness and funds. There were a total of 40 people. 

The 6 groups represented BNZ in:
• Whangarei
• Waterloo Key, Wellington
• Dominion Road, Auckland
• Three groups from BNZ offices around Auckland CBD

Whangarei had the biggest group with 15 people. They had a sausage stand where they offered sausages for donations. They also offered balloons, sweets and stickers in return for donations to the LBF.

The groups managed to raise a total of $1,306.60 in one day and thanks to their efforts 274 people joined the LBF mailing list.

All the groups reported back that they really enjoyed the challenge and had a great time.

Wellington Phoenix FC & Grand Mercure Wellington Century City Apartments
On 4 November, the LBF received tickets to the corporate box to attend the Wellington Phoenix vs. Newcastle Jets Hyundai A-League football game in Wellington.

The LBF was invited by Wellington Property Developer and owner of the Wellington Phoenix, Terry Serepisos. Terry, who lost his older brother Kosta to leukaemia in 2006, welcomed LBF patients and their families to Westpac Stadium to watch the game.

As part of the promotion, the Wellington Phoenix also supported a text campaign and invited fans to text $3 to support the LBF.

In addition, the Grand Mercure Wellington Century City Apartments donated 10 percent of the week’s hotel accommodation to the LBF.

It was a generous act and an amazing game -- the Phoenix won three to nil. Wellingtonian, Nardia Cooper said: “My family had a fantastic time at the game and were blown away by the hospitality show to us by the team. My 4 year old wants to marry all the team members who came to sign autographs.

It was great to meet some of the team as well as Terry and to have a chance to thank him for inviting us along. My husband was also very chuffed at meeting Keith Quinn who turned up in the Chairman’s lounge with a friend who was another AML survivor.

We were blown away by the atmosphere especially “The Yellow Fever”. How those guys keep up the chanting for 90 minutes is beyond me.”