Raising funds for cancer sufferers
A goal was smashed last weekend, as locals and supporters raised more than $13,000 for people living with cancer through the Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation programme.
Developed by physiotherapists, Pinc & Steel supports people affected by any type of cancer through treatment and recovery.
In Taupo¯ it is led by physiotherapists and Pilates teachers Tam Holden, Jonty Garlick and Gemma Kearins of Pilates Body Dynamics. The Move Over Cancer Taupo¯ fundraiser was spearheaded by Tam and Di Gulland of Taupo’s Skinmatters.
The last event in 2016 raised $8000. Last weekend more than $13,000 was donated and funds continue on the Everyday Hero fundraising page which is open for another week.
It began on Friday with a two-hour Pilates class. Each participant got friends and family to sponsor them. On Saturday, another bunch took to the choppy waters of Lake Taupo¯ for a stand-up paddle board session.
The public were invited to a Wellness Evening on Friday featuring guest speakers, including Pinc and Steel local recipients Brad Rock and Ingrid Farmer who shared their own stories. Speakers from Taupo¯ District Council, Greening Taupo¯, DOC and Steph Holloway of Elemental Potential rounded off the evening focused on health, wellness and improving personal and environmental wellbeing.
Hundreds of dollars of donated prizes were raffled to add to the total. The money will stay local, benefiting the Taupo¯ region.
Tam says recently local funding applications to Pinc and Steel have had to go on a wait list.
“The result of last weekend now guarantees that for as long as the $13,000 lasts, Taupo¯ locals can apply to the programme and get a reply of yes and that is pure gold,” says Tam.
The team offers individual physiotherapy sessions focusing on debilitating side effects, either from the disease or medical treatments. Their approach is wellness-based, to improve quality of life, health and wellbeing for cancer survivors.
Tam says she, Di and Jonty are thankful to everyone who donated cash, time, expertise, food, supplies, decorations and raffles.
“There has been a huge number of people showing small acts of kindness that make an enormous difference. Donate at moveovercancertaupo.everydayhero.com/nz/moveover-cancer-taupo-2018