More than 100 golfers have come together to drive, putt and chip to raise money to support Kiwis battling cancer.
They took part in the Daisy Chang Christmas Invitational Golf Day fundraiser for Bowel Cancer NZ staged at Whitford Park Golf Club by well-known local hospo owners Ted Waters and Carmen Holmes.
After they’d lathered on the sunscreen and before heading out onto the course, Waters told them such events weren’t possible without sponsors.
Backing the event were Aramex, Hancocks, Jayco Auckland, Paragon, Gilmours Manukau, Clevedon Coast Oysters, Swiss Deli, Barfoot and Thompson Howick, Daisy Chang, The Apothecary Licensed Eatery and Despensa.
“It is a fundraiser for Bowel Cancer NZ,” Waters said.
“Many of you know one of our guys here who’s had that journey, and everyone knows someone who has.
“There’s lots of raffles and good gambling holes [on the course] so enjoy the game.”
Among the people on hand was Bowel Cancer NZ chief executive Peter Huskinson. He says the organisation’s very glad to be supported in such a way.
“We’re a small charity and don’t get any central Government funding, but we’re helping people battle what’s the second largest cancer killer in New Zealand.”
He says the most important thing Bowel Cancer NZ does is stand beside the 65 Kiwis who are diagnosed with the disease every week.
It has a nurse who’s available to talk to patients about issues that aren’t covered by hospital care, he says.
“We’re available on our helpline any time to talk to people and we support a lot of people that way.
“The second way we help is by connecting people who are going through the same journey.
“We support close to 2000 people every year who are in that space. We have online virtual coffee groups and provide counselling for people when it’s a really significant life adjustment.
“We provide physiotherapy and help people with nutrition and staying active which helps them with their cancer.
“Also, if you lose income, and the expenses mount up, we provide Countdown vouchers just to help people make ends meet.”
Holmes says the event initially raised $7000 for Bowel Cancer NZ, but sponsor Dayne Riddell from Gilmours matched that figure to take it $14,000 – a gesture she describes as “outstanding!”
