Hundreds of brightly decorated bags, lovingly decorated by children in Dunedin and across the Otago region, are bringing joy to people undergoing cancer treatment.
The "Bags of Hope" programme, a joint project for the Cancer Society Southern and Taieri Altrusa, involves year 7 and 8 pupils from 20 schools across the region.
Cancer Society Southern Coast Otago community manager Suz Russell said about 1500 Bags of Hope were donated to the Dunedin Hospital Oncology Department each year for the use of patients undergoing treatment.
"The patients use the bags to store their clothes and other items while they receiving treatment, and are able to keep them for repeat visits," Ms Russell said.
"They absolutely love getting the bags with their beautiful, colourful designs and the lovely messages of hope from the children — it really makes their day."
Throughout this school term, pupils at 12 Dunedin and Coastal Otago schools have been busy working on their bags, as part of their course work relating to health and giving, collectively decorating 400-500 bags.
Among them have been year 7 pupils at Balmacewen Intermediate School, who were excited to hand over 220 completed Bags of Hope to Cancer Society Southern community funding partner Craig McGregor and Taieri Altrusa member Jenny Clarke on Friday.
Speaking at the school’s year 7 assembly, Mr McGregor said the bags were received by 30 to 40 patients each week going through treatment, and were treasured by them.
"One man was so thrilled with his bag that he included it in his will," Mr McGregor told the children.
Ms Clarke said Taieri Altrusa raised funds to help support the cost of the bags, and was delighted with the results of the project.
"And the bags mean such a lot to the people who receive them," she said.
Balmacewen Intermediate year 7 dean and assistant principal Lisa Dixon said the children loved working on decorating the bags and including positive messages.
"It is very meaningful for them, and a great way to round out their studies this term," Ms Dixon said.
Ms Russell said many of the Bags of Hope created this term would be displayed in a giant fundraising exhibition in the Golden Centre on July 18-19.
"The large, sturdy cardboard bags that we use for the Bags of Hope cost up to $4 each, so we need to raise funds to help support the project," she said.
"It will be an exciting chance for many of the children to see their artistic endeavours on display.
"And also a chance for us to celebrate the amazing work that these children have done to bring some light into people’s lives when they are in the middle of a tough time.
"The bags bring a smile to their faces, and they really do treasure them," Ms Russell said.
Alongside the Golden Centre exhibition, there will be a space for children to create designs and decorate their own bags for the Bags of Hope project.
Ms Russell said the Bags of Hope project had been running for the past two years.
"It is heartening to see how much the children care."
Daffodil Day
The Cancer Society Southern is working towards another of its major fundraisers for the year — Daffodil Day, coming up on August 28. Each year, about 30,000 daffodils are sold to individuals and businesses in support of the cancer society’s work and cancer research.
Volunteers are needed to sell daffodils on the day, and bunches of daffodils can be ordered online from now.
For more information, visit daffodilday.org.nz
Daffodils can be ordered online now via daffodil
