Shoppers in Wingham can help families affected by cancer over the next four weeks as new findings show the need for financial support among cancer patients is 25 per cent higher across New South Wales at 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 this holiday season due to rising travel and living costs.
These findings come as Coles launches a national Christmas campaign to raise funds for Redkite to help provide financial and emotional support to children and young people with cancer and their families.
From now until Boxing Day, shoppers can purchase a $2 Redkite donation card at Coles – with 100 per cent of proceeds going to Redkite.
Customers can also help make Christmas sweeter by purchasing a $1 Coles gingerbread man, with 20 cents from every sale going directly to Redkite until Christmas Day.
Redkite head of fundraising Isobel Lindley said cancer made Christmas a difficult time for too many families across the state.
“Unfortunately cancer doesn’t stop at Christmas and the pressure on families can be heightened when a child or young person is in hospital or very sick,” she said.
“By providing financial support, we can help with essentials like putting petrol in the car for those endless trips between hospital and home.
“Thanks to the generosity of Coles and communities across NSW, every card or gingerbread man purchased can make an enormous difference to the lives of families facing their child’s cancer.”
Coles State general manager Orlando Rodriguez encouraged local shoppers to support the campaign to help take the pressure off families affected by cancer this Christmas.
“We’re pleased to be raising funds for such a worthy cause and hope the local community will show their support for Redkite again this year,” he said.
NSW mother Leesha Monson said any funds raised for Redkite made a real difference to families such as her own.
“When our nine year old daughter Violet was recovering from treatment for Lymphoma, she received a scholarship from Redkite for music lessons.
While she couldn’t attend school, she had guitar lessons at home. Music bought the joy back to Violet after a really challenging few months. Redkite made that happen and we are so grateful,” she said.
“Thank you everyone who shops at Coles for your donations.”
Last year in December alone, Redkite supported 134 families across NSW, with household bills, putting food on the table and covering the hidden costs of cancer treatment.
