Leukaemia Appeal Week; 11-17 November

Leukaemia Appeal Week; 11-17 November

Free haircuts, fluorescent hair and two-minute grocery grabs are part of Leukaemia Appeal Week 2003 (November 11 to 17). The Leukaemia and Blood Foundation (LBF) is aiming to make this year's appeal individual and exciting, and it has the support of Rodney Wayne and New World Supermarkets to help make this happen.

New Zealanders are invited to pop in to Rodney Wayne on Monday, November 10 and get clippered for a good cause. For just $10 those who want a practical and manageable haircut can go to their nearest Rodney Wayne Salon and their entire $10 donation will go directly to the Foundation.

Alternatively, those in the North Island should visit their local New World supermarket, where for a $2 donation they will be entered into the draw to win one of eight two-minute grocery grabs!

Pru Etcheverry, executive director of the LBF, says New Zealanders are also invited to shave, clipper or temporarily colour their hair to raise money to support patients and families coping with leukaemia and related blood disorders.

"In the past men have been the most enthusiastic about taking part in Shave for a Cure, although this year a number of women have been very brave and lined up for the challenge. This year we've introduced Colour for a Cure which is a temporary hair dye," Pru said. "It's an opportunity to have some fun and a chance to contribute to something really positive."

Three brave nurses from the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Christchurch Hospital have decided to lose their locks for what they know first hand to be an important and worthy cause. They join many others in seeking sponsorship, such as the team at The Rock radio station in Auckland, and westie comedian Ewan Gilmour who is going green.

People can organise their own shave or colour event or visit one of four LBF-organised events in malls around the country, where King of Shaves' shave squads will be in action. Further details can be found at www.shaveforacure.co.nz or by phoning 0800 15 10 15.

Each day four children and adults (1400 New Zealanders a year) are diagnosed with leukaemia or a related blood disorder including multiple myeloma and lymphoma. The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) has a vision to cure and a mission to care for people living with these diseases by providing: patient support programmes, education materials and information, acting as patient advocates, funding research, and providing medical equipment and facilities.

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