A Pakuranga PlaceMakers team is taking a stand for Kiwi men’s health this month as part of a nationwide campaign in support of Blue September, the annual awareness month for prostate cancer in New Zealand.
The Pakuranga PlaceMakers-hosted event is the first Blue September fundraising event of its kind.
The inaugural 100 kilometre challenge starts at The Franklin in Beachlands at 2pm and involves participants driving their 50cc scooters around the east Auckland area, competing numerous challenges including oyster shucking, egg and spoon races, and laps around Beachlands.
Formalities following the event are from around 5.30pm. There will be food and live entertainment, as well as some live auctions. All proceeds will go to Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand.
PlaceMakers, principal sponsor of Blue September, has raised more than $1.9 million in the past eight years and is once again gearing up to contribute towards funding ground-breaking research projects, support services for survivors and their families and year-round education campaigns.
One man in New Zealand is diagnosed every three hours, one or more die each day and more than 60 per cent of survivors report having no symptoms when diagnosed.
Rowan Toms, branch operator at PlaceMakers Pakuranga, said his team is really proud to be doing their bit in their local community to raise funds for an excellent cause.
“We recognise that awareness of prostate cancer and the need for men to get checked is extremely important, and at PlaceMakers Pakuranga we want to do our bit to help push that message to our customers, suppliers, staff and our local community,” he said.
Bruce McEwen, PlaceMakers’ chief executive, says the company is proud of its longstanding support of Blue September and is encouraging Kiwi men around the country to put time to visit their GP for a check-up.
“PlaceMakers is right behind Blue September and this very important cause. It’s more than just raising awareness and fundraising, we want Kiwi men to get checked,” said Mr McEwen.
“A quick blood test is all it takes to get a prostate cancer check, a simple and easy thing to do to get peace of mind for yourself and your family. I’m calling on all blokes to man-up and get checked this September.”
The ‘Blue Do’ campaign for Blue September is encouraging Kiwis to get together with mates, colleagues, family and social groups to hold a fundraising social event to raise vital funds. All 58 PlaceMakers stores nationwide will be holding their own ‘Blue Do’ events as well as selling vehicle air fresheners at check outs.
