Shoppers at Taree and Old Bar can show their support for families affected by cancer amid predictions that demand for financial assistance among cancer patients is likely to soar by more than 20 per cent across New South Wales in the lead up to Christmas.
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National cancer charity, Redkite, predicts financial assistance for children and young people affected by cancer will be in higher demand than ever before as families feel the pressure with growing travel costs and living expenses during the holiday season.
Redkite’s predictions of more than a 20 per cent increase in demand in December come as it launches a five-week Christmas campaign with Coles at Old Bar, Wingham, Forster and Taree.
From now until December 27, local shoppers can buy a $2 Redkite donation card at Colesto provide financial and emotional support to children and young people with cancer and their families.
Redkite general manager marketing and fundraising, Monique Keighery, predicted a surge in demand for support compared to last December.
“We’re seeing unprecedented demand for assistance from families facing their child’s cancer and we predict it will be over 20 per cent higher this Christmas compared to the same period last year,” she said.
"For many families, the Christmas period can be a really challenging time. Some families will get the devastating news that their child has cancer and hundreds of children will be undergoing treatment or facing cancer’s impacts. We know from previous years that demand for Redkite's support, including financial help and counselling sessions, increases at this time.
“By buying a $2 donation card at Coles supermarket counters this festive season, shoppers can help children and young people with cancer and their families when they need it most."
Coles state general manager Thinus Keeve encouraged local shoppers to help support sick kids and their families this Christmas.
“Cancer touches the hearts of so many of our customers and team members so we want to give locals the opportunity to show their support for families in need. Every dollar makes a difference to the support they receive,” he said.
New South Wales mother Samantha Gordon, whose daughter Zoe Gordon was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, said the support from Redkite was invaluable in helping families such as her own.
“When our family first saw the donation cards we thought they were so wonderful, they were so colourful and my kids wanted to buy them to be part of something so uplifting,” she said.
“We weren’t a Redkite family at that stage. Now that we are a Redkite family and have received so much support from Redkite, this Coles initiative has meant even more to us.”