CanTeen members get artistic with Christmas card designs

December 5, 2011

CanTeen members get artistic with Christmas card designs

Five CanTeen members are helping send Christmas cheer around the country this year with their inspirational Christmas card designs.

The cards, which are on sale now, are an annual Christmas fundraiser for CanTeen and each year raises approximately $1million for the charity.

The team of young women, made up of patient, sibling and bereaved sibling members, have each designed a card that is uniquely artistic and kiwi-inspired, to support the charity which they say, brings so much to their lives.

Auckland CanTeen member, Munrith Longe Singh, now 21, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour at the age of 14 and underwent surgery and radiotherapy.

Her inspiration for this year’s design came from wanting to do something for patient members who will be celebrating Christmas in hospital, says Munrith.

“I wanted to reflect CanTeen in my card, but also remind people what they’re supporting and why their help is so important. I didn’t want my card to be sad, but rather reflect the peace and joy Christmas brings to my heart.”

CanTeen has helped Munrith move on with her life and not let the complications of her treatments set her back.

“I suffer from fatigue, bad headaches and I find it harder to retain information, which can be a pain during exams. I’m a perfectionist but I’ve learnt to change my approach. Sometimes it’s just about doing what you can – as long as you do your best.”

“Never in my life did I expect to be diagnosed with a brain tumour – but when I was, CanTeen was and still is there to support me and my siblings.”

Other designers for this year’s Christmas card range are Natasha Gate from Auckland and Brooke Hopkins, Mikaela Marshall and Rachel Allan from Christchurch.

CanTeen Marketing and Communications Manager Kimberley Waters says, as an organisation that receives no direct government funding, CanTeen relies on its own fundraising ventures and the support of the New Zealand public through purchasing its products such as Christmas cards or making donations.

“Our member designers have done such a great job this year and we hope New Zealand will get behind them to support CanTeen during the Christmas season, a difficult time for many of our members who may be spending Christmas in hospital, away from their families.”

CanTeen is a national peer support organisation for young people aged 13 to 24 living with cancer as a patient, sibling or bereaved sibling. Members are able to share their experiences with other young people who know what it is like to deal with cancer.

CanTeen Christmas cards come in packs of 5 for $8 or packs of 10 for $16 and are available by calling 0800 22 34 34 or online at http://www.canteen.org.nz/shop/christmas-cards.

For more information on CanTeen please visit www.canteen.org.nz

ENDS

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