Tragic link behind CaNZert
Debbie Kinsella, Patrick Bourne and Ally Glen have a lot in common.
Their love for live music is one, yet a tragic circumstance also binds them together.
They’ve all lost a parent to cancer and have friends battling the illness.
To remember lives lost and to raise funds and awareness for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, Ms Kinsella, husband Mr Bourne and friend Miss Glen have organised a concert featuring popular Auckland bands.
‘‘When you lose such great people it’s important to do something positive in their name so their positivity carries on,’’ Ms Kinsella says.
CaNZert is on February 22 at the Kings Arms and will feature 12 bands including Recliner Rockers, Brutally Frank, CoReZ and Al Lavis.
Raffles and auctions including weekend getaway prizes will be held on the day with all proceeds going toward those affected by cancer.
People can also donate on the CaNZert website and the trio aims to raise more than $12,000.
Ms Kinsella intends to make CaNZert an annual event, depending on the interest generated this year.
‘‘It comes back to the living memory idea and that’s what’s so nice about New Zealand – everyone is willing to get behind a brilliant cause.’’
Miss Glen says, sadly, many people know someone affected by cancer and are aware of what it’s like to lose someone close to them.
Her partner Richard is also backing the R18 concert, which begins with a social Hot Rod Cruise.
Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand’s communications manager Georgie Hackett says about 10,000 New Zealanders suffer blood cancer and the money raised by CaNZert will help continue its free nationwide services.
‘‘We don’t receive any government funding and have information services available for people when they’re first diagnosed or at any stage of their cancer journey,’’ she says.
CaNZert’s Hot Rod Cruise leaves Takapuna’s Smales Farm at 10.30am, finishing at the Kings Arms.
There will be two music sessions – the first from 1pm till 7.45pm, the second session from 8pm till 2am.