Cancer Society Marlborough Fire

The Cancer Society of New Zealand, Marlborough Centre. Our premise was destroyed as a result of an accidental fire, which started in an adjoining business in the Forum Building on the evening of Wednesday 5th February.

We are absolutely devastated at the aftermath and the long task ahead as we look to find temporary office accommodation, where we can continue to provide free support services and information for people and their families affected by cancer.

While there is no personal loss or injury to our team from the fire, over the years our premise has seen the blood, sweat and tears by many staff members, volunteers, patients and community organisations and events. Over 500 patients a year seek our support and in the last 12 months we have undergone significant changes to reduce our overhead expenses and complete a small renovation of our rooms on a zero $0 budget. All this has been lost, but we need your help to rebuild and have a patient support service up and running as soon as possible.

Cancer Society Marlborough has long history of providing support in Marlborough and have been on the current site for almost 15 years. It is important to us that we are easily located for the people of Marlborough, that we can accommodate people walking in off the street to make enquiries, provide private counselling and facilitate support groups on site.

We receive no government funding and are reliant on the generous support of our community. With one in three New Zealanders affected by cancer in their lifetime, we know our support is needed and valued by our community.

In the meantime, we are determined to carry out our business as usual and support community initiatives like providing Shade Loan (SunSmart messages, sunscreen & shade tents) and run educational events like the Skin Cancer Awareness Clinic's on 28th February in Blenheim and 4th March in Picton.