Ryman Healthcare Family Rallies for Breast Cancer

The Ryman Healthcare family has raised $440,000 to help make a difference in the lives of thousands of Kiwis and Victorians with breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Evangelia Henderson was at Ryman’s Diana Isaac Village in Christchurch today to accept a giant cheque for the total amount raised and to thank Ryman residents for the part they played in the effort.

The money was raised at hundreds of events at Ryman Healthcare’s villages and offices in New Zealand and Australia.

“Our vision is zero deaths. We want to make sure that our daughters and our friends in the future won’t have to die from this disease. So your funds, the fundraising you have given us will help to raise the bar for research,” Evangelia said.  

Residents and team members at Ryman’s 34 New Zealand villages raised $206,000 which Ryman matched dollar for dollar, taking the total to almost $412,000.  

In Melbourne, where Ryman has two villages, an additional $14,000 was raised which will be donated National Breast Cancer Foundation in Victoria, taking the total to $440,000.

Ryman Healthcare Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod said it was a great year for fundraising, taking the amount raised over the past 21 years to more than $4.1 million.

“The breast cancer cause struck a chord with everyone and the relationship has been a huge success at both raising money and awareness about breast cancer.

“The Breast Cancer Foundation did a huge amount of work to get around our villages to speak to residents, and we would like to thank the team for all the work.

“Raising awareness undoubtedly saves lives – and we will continue to spread the message about screening and prevention.’’

Ryman Healthcare is New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator. Each year Ryman Healthcare chooses a different charity partner to work with.

Residents and staff focus their fundraising efforts on the charity for the next 12 months, and Ryman Healthcare matches every dollar they raise at the end of the year, so the charity receives double the amount raised.

Ryman’s residents and team has selected Melanoma New Zealand and the Melanoma Institute Australia as the next charity partners.

Melanoma New Zealand Chief Executive Andrea Newland said she wanted to thank Ryman management, staff and residents for their support and for choosing the group as a charity partner. Melanoma was more prevalent in men than women and more than 360 people died every year, higher than our road toll.

“More than 4000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with melanoma every year … more than half of all registered incidences of melanoma occur in people aged 65 and over,” she said.

“We’re delighted … we know that you will be helping is to save lives,’’ she said.

Find out more about Ryman Healthcare.

Pictured: Ryman Healthcare Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod hands the cheque to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Chief Executive Evangelia Henderson.