GrownUps is pleased to announce it’s partnering with Cancer Research Trust New Zealand to build awareness of and financial support for the work of the Trust. The Trust funds innovative research into the causes and treatments of cancer and supports the best cancer researchers, clinicians, and palliative care workers in New Zealand.
As the population and life expectancy increases more people in New Zealand are developing cancer and 96% of people who die from cancer are in the 45+ age group.
The good news is that many cancers can be cured if found and treated early. It’s estimated that one New Zealander in three who gets cancer is cured. And even if the cancer cannot be eliminated, more effective treatment means many people are now living longer and more productive lives with cancer.
However, while there are many good news stories, there are some cancers where the prognosis has changed little. Further improvements will only occur through research. That’s why the Trust is committed to supporting even more research in the future.
About Cancer Research Trust New Zealand
The Trust is the country’s second-largest non-government cancer research charity, and has funded $15.8 million in research and professional development projects since 2002. The Trust provides grants to support New Zealand-based initiatives that will lead to improvements in the prevention, detection, diagnosis or treatment of all types of cancer, or improvements in palliative care.
When and how was the Trust established?
Rain, or rather the lack of it, was the event behind the formation of the Trust 17 years ago.
2001 was a very dry year, and as we headed into winter, hydro lake levels were well below average. The government brought in an energy savings scheme to avert a power crisis, with a media campaign promoting energy efficiency. As an incentive, the Government asked each electricity company to put aside funds based on how much energy their customers saved. These funds were to be used for public-good initiatives once the power crisis was over.
By the time the rains came again, there was $3.3 million sitting in the Genesis Energy account to be invested for the benefit of New Zealanders. This was used to establish the charity that became Cancer Research Trust NZ. Since then the Trust has invested $15.8 million through the support of people like yourselves. Genesis Energy has moved on and the Trust is now a fully independent registered charity and looking to the future to support even more cancer-related initiatives.
What makes Cancer Research Trust NZ different from other cancer charities in New Zealand?
- Every cent of every dollar is applied to the work of the Trust, overheads are met from investment income. All donations to the Trust greater than $5 are tax deductible
- The Trust funds research and professional development across the cancer control spectrum: from prevention, through detection, diagnosis and treatment to end of life care (palliative or hospice care)
- The Trust funds research into all types of cancer and supports nurses, social workers, counsellors, medical physicists, clinical oncologists and radiologists, surgeons, biomedical and clinical researchers, postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows
- All applications for funding undergo rigorous peer review by a ten-person committee comprising some of New Zealand’s top cancer researchers and clinicians. Only the best projects and people are funded
- Approximately 60% of the budget is applied to clinical and biomedical research while 40% is spent on education (PhD scholarships, Postdoctoral Fellowships and Clinical Training Fellowships) and professional development
If you would like to donate or learn more, please visit our website.
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