Blue September boosts funds and awareness

With help from New Zealand’s bluest superhero, The PlaceMakers Blue Streak, staff and customers joined forces to raise $307,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

“Around 5% of men who received free checks at PlaceMakers Blue September events tested positive

“The passion and commitment shown by PlaceMakers’ staff to support Blue September never ceases to amaze me,” says Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Graeme Woodside. “Once again, they’ve been amazing sponsors and partners in both spreading the message for men to ‘get checked’ and raising significant funds to support the work of the Foundation.”

PlaceMakers chief executive Dean Fradgley said it wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support from PlaceMakers customers throughout the country.

The funds were raised through a range of Blue September activities, including a scooter challenge, a mud rush, golf tournaments, quiz nights, spring ocean dips and numerous other well-attended events. The proceeds will be used for research into testicular and prostate cancer, public education and pastoral care for sufferers and their families.

“Prostate cancer is one of those difficult truths it can be hard to face up to and increasing awareness is a key goal of this campaign,” says PlaceMakers chief executive Dean Fradgley.

“Don’t assume this isn’t directed at you! Around 5% of men who received free checks at PlaceMakers Blue September events tested positive, and you can bet none of them had given it a second thought beforehand.

“It’s not the news they wanted to hear – but it’s news they needed to hear and now they have the opportunity to seek treatment.”

The disease kills around 600 Kiwi men every year, making it the most common cancer among the male population. However, about half those deaths could be prevented with early detection, which is why PlaceMakers is passionate about raising awareness and removing the stigma associated with taking care of one’s health.