More than 4,200 rangatahi are impacted by cancer every year, whether it’s their own diagnosis or someone in their whānau. That’s more than ten rangatahi affected by cancer every day in Aotearoa. Marking 35 years of supporting rangatahi impacted by cancer, Canteen’s major fundraising event, Bandanna Day, will take place on Friday, 1 September.
A cancer diagnosis is difficult to process at any age, but for rangatahi it can present unique challenges, particularly as it can disrupt the most formative years of their lives. This Bandanna Day, Canteen is calling on Kiwis across the country to get involved and support rangatahi impacted by cancer, to let them know that they aren’t alone by wearing a bandanna.
This year, Kiwis can purchase Canteen’s brand new design, available in two colourways – orange and pink or purple and green – that have been designed by a group of talented Canteen rangatahi.
Canteen is the only national organisation that supports rangatahi aged 13-24 impacted by cancer and receives no direct government funding. Funds raised through donations and the purchasing of bandannas will go directly towards supporting Canteen to reach more rangatahi in need and to provide support services like counselling, peer support events, and online support.
Canteen was created by rangatahi 35 years ago and is still led by rangatahi today. Since Canteen began its services, it has supported thousands of rangatahi impacted by cancer. Canteen is a safe space for rangatahi to connect, share the tough stuff, and get a break from cancer when they need it.
Nick Laing, Canteen Aotearoa CEO, said many rangatahi across Aotearoa depend on Canteen’s services and Bandanna Day is a time for all of us to connect and show our support.
“Canteen bandannas are more than just headwear for those experiencing hair loss during treatment — they’re a symbol of support.”
“For 35 years, Canteen has been a major support to many rangatahi impacted by their own or a loved ones’ cancer. The direct impact of our services sees rangatahi connect with others who understand what they’re going through, learn coping mechanisms through therapeutic support, and last year, after receiving support, we saw a 31 percent decrease in the number of rangatahi who were at high risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
“Support from Aotearoa around Bandanna Day helps us continue to provide crucial support services for rangatahi so they don’t have to face cancer alone.”
In the lead up to Bandanna Day, Canteen and their rangatahi are encouraging the community to get involved by:
- Purchasing a bandanna online from shop.canteen.org.nz for $5 each, or a 4-pack for $20
- Making a donation at donate.canteen.org.nz
- Hosting fundraising events in schools, workplaces, or with family and friends
- Purchasing a bandanna or making a donation to volunteer collectors on the streets of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on Bandanna Day – Friday, 1 September
Canteen is also encouraging Kiwis to share the ways they style their bandanna on Instagram and TikTok in the lead up to Bandanna Day using the hashtag #BandannaDay2023.
To find out more visit, canteen.org.nz/support-canteen/bandanna-day.
