Around 4,200 rangatahi are impacted by cancer every year in Aotearoa; this may be as a result of their own diagnosis or by a cancer diagnosis within their whānau. This can be incredibly difficult to navigate, especially for those who feel isolated or are struggling to manage complex feelings. That’s where Canteen Aotearoa comes in.
Our organisation provides a wide range of free in-person and online support services to help rangatahi manage the specific challenges they’re dealing with. We do not receive any direct funding from the government, so our charity for cancer support relies on regular donations and fundraising activities to continue to provide services that make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable rangatahi and their whānau.
Taking a Break
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have anyone in your whānau or close friend group who understands the intricacies of what you are going through. Rangatahi need our support to navigate these challenges.
At Canteen, we work with rangatahi aged 12 to 24 who have been affected by their own diagnosis or by a diagnosis in their whānau. Thanks to your donations, in 2024 we were able to help more than 800 rangatahi impacted by cancer with our free services and programmes. From peer events to online counselling, our services offer an opportunity to share, take a break and connect with others going through similar journeys.
Our Stories
Leaton
Thanks to generous contributions and regular donations to Canteen, we were able to help rangatahi like Leaton, who was diagnosed with a rare type of head and neck cancer at just 16 years old. The programmes offered through Canteen helped Leaton to build resilience and regain confidence.
Peer events gave him the opportunity to connect with other rangatahi going through similar challenges, providing him with much needed support and giving him a break from thinking about his own struggles. By using our online counselling services, Leaton was able to develop positive coping strategies and build strong support networks that made him feel less isolated while transitioning through his cancer journey.
Leaton is one of many rangatahi who have experienced the positive impact of joining Canteen Aotearoa and taking part in our programmes and development opportunities.
Read Leaton’s full story here.
The Value of Charity for Cancer Support
Your ongoing support is vital. The services we provide change lives, helping rangatahi build the connections and confidence they need to carry on growing and developing after being impacted by cancer. After receiving our support, 87% of rangatahi said their mental health improved and 84% said they could deal with their problems more effectively.
In 2024, we held 85 face-to-face and online events, allowing more than 300 rangatahi to connect and share their experiences. Our Clinical Team provided more than 4,200 therapy sessions and interventions with rangatahi, and thanks to the support of generous Kiwis like you, we were able to spend $2.5 million on crucial services, including one-on-one counselling, peer events and more.
Online Support
We understand that attending in-person events or therapy sessions isn’t always possible, which is why we set up Canteen Connect. This online platform allows rangatahi to connect with peers and counsellors no matter where they are located. Canteen Connect gives rangatahi the opportunity to socialise, join events or chat with a counsellor without leaving home.
Create Positive Outcomes
If you are wondering about other ways you can support rangatahi impacted by cancer, we can guide you in the right direction. Donations are a great way to support rangatahi and Canteen Aotearoa, but there are other ways you can help.
Regular Giving
Join our community of supporters who make generous monthly donations to Canteen to help rangatahi impacted by cancer by providing vital support.
From therapeutic programmes and camps, to individual support sessions and rangatahi development, these types of support services means rangatahi never have to face the challenges of cancer alone. Every dollar you contribute makes a big difference.
Fundraising with Canteen Aotearoa
You can gather your friends and whānau to raise money for cancer, and can choose your own challenge like shaving your head, walk, run, or cycle at events across Aotearoa, or fundraise for a Canteen event, like Bandanna Day. Your efforts go a long way towards providing positive outcomes for rangatahi by funding services such as counselling, peer support programmes and camps.
Bandanna Day
Another way you can get involved in assisting our charity for cancer support is by buying our iconic bandannas. You can purchase these funky accessories for yourself online or get involved on Bandana Day to drum up support in your community.
Partner with Canteen
If you own a business, you can help fund our therapeutic programmes, camps, peer support events and other valuable services by taking part in our partnership programmes. Get your business involved in an impactful way and make a real difference in the lives of our rangatahi.
Make an Impact
Thanks to regular donations by caring Kiwis like you, we are able to make a significant difference in the lives of rangatahi and their whānau. Donate today, or contact our friendly team if you want to get involved or learn more about Canteen Aotearoa.
