Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

News Video | Policy | GPs | Hospitals | Medical | Mental Health | Welfare | Search

 

MP’s boost cancer fundraiser


L-R Mere Takoko, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Ben Howe

MP’s boost cancer fundraiser

Labour MPs have banded together to give a significant boost to a local cancer charity by donating 20 percent of its Flight Against Cancer dinner and auction event sales to Wellington community groups.

Among the MPs to attend the evening will be Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Louisa Wall and Kris Faafoi who will host an auction to raise funds for the New Zealand Child Cancer Foundation.

The MPs said they supported the event to honour their fallen colleague, the late Hon. Parekura Horomia who launched the group in Gisborne in 2012.

Horomia was a patron of Chumpchange and the group had been working with him to improve his nutrition just weeks before his passing and had hoped to have him in the Parliament Gym with other Labour MPs next week when the fitness challenge officially begins.

“With the passing of Hon. Parekura Horomia, this year’s fitness challenge will take on new meaning – a cautionary tale so to speak of why we must not delay our efforts to become healthy and vital this Matariki,” said group spokesperson Mere Takoko.

“He had paid his subs the last day he was in Parliament and was intending to be a member of our 2013 fundraising team. He helped us raise $12k last year,” she said.

“We pulled out all the stops this year and aim to keep the fire burning which he helped to light. Team Chumpchange 2013 will be announced at the event and together, we hope to surpass last year’s great effort”.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The group is planning a “reveal” of its team and preview of their social media blog www.tewero.org. Ms Takoko said they will offer free e-fitness and nutrition plans to attendees who include the National Kōhanga Reo Trust, the Māori Women’s Welfare League, the Wellington City Council, and the NZ Council of Christian Social Services.

Hauraki-Waikato MP Hon. Nanaia Mahuta will take over Mr Horomia’s role as the patron of the fitness fundraiser. Mahuta, who recently had her second child, is a keynote speaker and will provide regular blog updates on her progress as she embarks on 12 weeks of healthy nutrition and exercise.

“This is Parekura’s wero to the motu. Let’s get on board this waka hauora – anyone can join and anyone can donate to our campaign. It doesn’t matter what size or age you are – you can do it!”

“I plan to continue where my good friend left off…so follow me whānau on the 12 week Chumpchange Challenge as I transform and paddle this waka ora.”

All profits from the event will be given to the NZ Child Cancer Foundation who will be attending. Ms Takoko said she expected that the majority of its funds raised would be through its new social media blog and support from her “chumpies.”

“With the boost in profile that the Labour MPs will bring to this campaign, our chumpies will be the powerhouse behind this year’s fundraising activities.”

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.