Volunteering is a family activity for the Hart family from South Canterbury.
The Cancer Society considers itself very fortunate to have four generations of women from one family choosing to give their time, passion and skills to help fundraise and raise awareness.
Theresa Hart was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2019. She needed to travel to Christchurch for her radiation treatment so used Cancer Society’s accommodation.
“I decided if they could help me with that, I needed to return it for the next person that needed a bit of help so I started volunteering in 2020 at the Relay for Life in Waimate.”
Theresa has been a regular volunteer since then helping with Daffodil Day, Relay for Life (including chairing the committee), hosting Paverpol sculpture workshops as fundraisers, and rallying family teams to participate in all Cancer Society’s Scooter Safaris.
Theresa confesses to being a bit of a shrinking violet and many of the volunteer roles she’s stepped up to do that have involved public speaking have been way outside her comfort zone, but that’s nothing a good dress up can’t help it seems. Who can be a shrinking violet when you’re dressed up as Daffy or Petal to encourage people to get involved for a good cause!
“I think just knowing that you are helping somebody else that’s going through the same kind of thing, that pushes me past my comfort zone … and when you’ve got a daffodil or a purple petal outfit on, you can kind of feel you can say or do what you like as no one knows who you are!”
She’s definitely no stranger when it comes to costuming as she’s been a bumble bee and a panda for the Scooter Safari and the wider family is gearing up for next year’s safari with plans to ride as the Duck Squad with the slogan of “Ducking Cancer” emblazoned on their backs.
Theresa’s mother Ruth is a keen baker and freezer-filler for the Cancer Society, while Theresa’s granddaughter Nevaeh (now 10) was only five years old when her “Gnum” (what she calls her grandmother) got cancer and she held her first fundraiser.
“I sold my toys as a way to fundraise. I was able to raise over $1000 to help out. Even nowadays my mum, Gnum and myself sometimes help out at the Cancer Society with different events and activities. I help because I know others get cancer as well and they need my help.”
Theresa’s daughter Lana says the Cancer Society’s support while her mum was going through treatment was “absolutely amazing” and that Leola from the Cancer Society had become “an ear and a friend” through those tough times.
“I fundraise to help them for all that they do to help other families like mine.”
The Cancer Society wishes to take the opportunity this National Volunteer Week to thank all the amazing volunteers who, just like Theresa, Lana and Nevaeh bring their love, laughter and life to support its work. If you’re keen to find out more about how you can get involved in volunteering with the Cancer Society head to cancer.org.nz/get-involved/volunteer/
