10th March 2010
Ellerslie International Flower Show supports Cancer Society
The Cancer Society has again been chosen as the charity for the Ellerslie International Flower Show.
With gardening being one of New Zealand’s favourite pastimes and New Zealand having such a high rate of skin cancer, the Cancer Society is the perfect partner for the Ellerslie International Flower Show, says Show Managing Director Dave Mee.
“We are the biggest garden show in the Southern Hemisphere and pleased to again be able to support the Cancer Society and work with them to promote their SunSmart messages throughout New Zealand.
“The SunSmart messages are about enjoying being outdoors but remembering to protect your skin from the harsh ultra violet radiation when doing so.”
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer in New Zealand, killing more than 250 people each year. “Our rates of skin cancer are among the highest in the world,” says Cancer Society Canterbury-West Coast Division Chief Executive Elizabeth Chesterman.
“In the last few years, there has been a gardening revolution. More and more people are spending time in their gardens, in particular growing fruit and vegetables for a healthier lifestyle. And while gardening is a fun, healthy activity, it is only healthy if people protect their skin by wearing appropriate clothing, sunhats and sunscreen.
“Our SunSmart messages about Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap are the most important thing a person can do before they go outdoors.”
Harsh ultra violet radiation is the most common cause of skin cancer, Mrs Chesterman says. “The good news is that most cases of skin cancer can be prevented simply by adopting appropriate sun protection behaviour from September to March when the UV levels are at there highest, and, that the disease can usually be cured if detected early.”
Donations from the Ellerslie International Flower Show will be used by the Cancer Society to help ensure its freephone helpline 0800 CANCER (226 237) is able to continue to meet the ever increasing needs of people in the region.
The Cancer Society’s three main areas of work are:
• Providing support to people with cancer, their families and health professionals.
• Running extensive health promotion, education and prevention programmes.
• Funding cancer research.
The Cancer Society will benefit from Ellerslie’s Premier Garden Party, the red carpet awards ceremony and opening event, and by having volunteers on site during the five days to assist visitors and operate the Plant Crèche.
• Ellerslie International Flower Show is New Zealand’s premier week-long Garden Party in Christchurch’s North Hagley Park from 10 to 14 March 2010. The Show celebrates Christchurch’s Garden City heritage and the best of national and international garden design. Check out the website for further information www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz
For further information contact:
Ellerslie International Flower Show Communications Adviser
Jan McCarthy
03 941 6412 or 027 637 7912
or
Cancer Society Canterbury-West Coast Division Chief Executive
Elizabeth Chesterman
03 379 5835 or 027 226 0322
