A heartfelt act of generosity has brought a sustainable boost to the Cancer Society’s Margaret Stewart House in Newton, Wellington.
In October 2025, Blenheim guests Allan Parsons and Angela Crompton, gifted the accommodation facility a year-long subscription to Kaicycle’s weekly food scrap collection service – a donation that blends gratitude with environmental care.
Allan, who likes people to call him Al, stayed at Margaret Stewart House in September while undergoing four weeks of radiation therapy at Wellington Regional Hospital following skin cancer surgery. Angela stayed with him for the final two weeks and said they were both deeply moved by the warmth and support they received during their stay.
Angela vividly recalls being with Al on 15 September. That was to be his first day of radiation, but first they booked into Margaret Stewart House. “It was a sunny Wellington morning. Beautiful flowers, gifted by someone whose stay at the house had just ended, were in a large vase on the reception counter. Neane [Summerfield] greeted us and the floral, cotton jacket she was wearing was a perfect match to her beautiful smiles.
“There was no physical contact between us, but Al and I could almost feel Neane’s welcoming, supportive embrace.”
Al said giving something back to Margaret Stewart House so it can continue to be a wonderful facility to the communities it serves, felt important. “Such a service relies on ongoing goodwill and we feel very fortunate we are able to make a contribution.”
The gift was a natural choice for the couple, who describe themselves as mad-keen gardeners. They have three compost bins at their address in Blenheim to help replenish soils in their flower and vegetable gardens.
“And composting kitchen scraps has been a life-time habit for both of us,” said Angela.
While walking past Kaicycle’s base on Hospital Road, she had read its signage and immediately saw the potential for a partnership.
Kaicycle, a nonprofit located just down the road from Margaret Stewart House, focuses on urban farming, composting, and community education. Its e-bike-powered collection service transports organic waste from offices, apartment blocks and households around Wellington back to the depot where it is transformed into nutrient-rich compost, helping grow healthy soil, nutritious kai, and community wellbeing.
Supported Accommodation Team Leader Neane Summerfield called the gift “a feel-good, future-thinking initiative,” noting the synergy between the two neighbouring nonprofits.
The Cancer Society is deeply appreciative of the donation – and confident that good things will grow from the couple’s generosity.