Facing cancer at any stage of your life is incredibly difficult, and it can be even harder to navigate if you don’t have support.
Every year in Aotearoa, around 4,200 rangatahi are impacted by cancer, either through their own diagnosis or by a cancer diagnosis within their whānau. This can turn their whole world upside down, and finding ways to cope will look different for each person.
Canteen provides a safe space with free support services to help rangatahi manage the challenges they face when cancer impacts their lives. Most Kiwis know someone who has been directly affected by cancer, and if you’re wondering what you can do to help, it can be as simple as making a cancer charity donation.
Creating Connection
As the only national organisation in Aotearoa dedicated to providing tailored support for rangatahi impacted by cancer, we are passionate about our work because we see firsthand how it makes a significant difference. We support those aged 13 to 24 affected by their own diagnosis or when someone in their whānau is facing cancer.
These journeys can be overwhelming and, at times, incredibly isolating, so we make sure that we create a safe space for rangatahi to connect so they feel less alone. We offer the opportunity to share the tough stuff and get support from others in a similar situation.
Thanks to the contributions of many generous Kiwis like you, rangatahi don’t have to face cancer alone. However, we don’t receive government contributions or direct funding, so we rely on our fundraising efforts and your life-changing donations and gifts to continue these vital services.
You Can Make an Impact
While it may sometimes seem like a small gesture, the value of your cancer charity donation actually goes a long way and can make a remarkable difference.
For example, in 2023, we used cancer charity donations to provide over 750 rangatahi impacted by cancer with free specialist support services. This included providing our rangatahi with access to therapy and coping tools to ensure they were able to manage school and work at a difficult time. Annually, we provide more than 3,800 counselling and therapeutic support sessions so that they can cope more easily with the impact of cancer.
Your donations also provide peer support programmes and events to help rangatahi connect with others in the same situation. These include bowling, movie nights, and online events like book clubs and gaming nights for those who can’t attend face-to-face events. Our programmes and camps are tailored to support rangatahi in unique ways that can be customised to their particular experience.
Ongoing Support
We also provide ongoing support and development opportunities for rangatahi to get their life back on track after being impacted by cancer. This includes developing social and leadership skills through a range of pathways and programmes. We saw an incredible improvement in the mental health of rangatahi after receiving Canteen support, with 84% saying they could deal with their problems more effectively.
To show your support for rangatahi, you can make a cancer charity donation now so that Canteen can continue helping those impacted by cancer. Alongside a one-off donation, you can partner with our organisation to give each month, leave a gift in your will, or include us in your annual tax-deductible philanthropic giving.
We are here to help you ensure rangatahi never have to be alone as they navigate these pivotal moments.
Other Ways to Support Rangatahi
Outside of donating, you can also show your support by getting involved in a more hands-on way.
Fundraise, Volunteer & Buy Bandannas
Join our fundraisers and get your whānau, friends, and community involved. Have some fun while raising money for an important cause. You can also become a fundraising volunteer or create your own fundraiser.
Bandana Day
We have a dedicated Bandana Day, and you can help sell bandanas. You can also add a funky new accessory to your wardrobe all year round and support rangatahi by purchasing our iconic bandanas online. These bandanas provide a powerfully visible way to showcase how we are working to help lessen cancer's impact on the lives of rangatahi in Aotearoa. Shop our Bandannas now!
Partner Up
By partnering with Canteen, you help fund all therapeutic programmes, camps, support sessions, peer support events, and continued access to our online support services. Every donation goes a long way and directly contributes to changing the lives of our rangatahi.
If you own a business or want to get your organisation involved, you can take action by participating in our partnership programmes. This is a great way for your business to guarantee sustained support for rangatahi and their whānau.
You can make a difference.
Ultimately, any support you provide helps provide life-changing services to rangatahi impacted by cancer across Aotearoa. You may not have realised it, but you can make a difference.
Or contact our friendly team today if you want more information about donating or are ready to get more involved.
