Across October and November, Suncorp New Zealand’s employees have been running and taking steps towards its fundraising goal of $300,000 for New Zealanders affected by cancer. Last week, 858 steppers took on the remainder on an epic climb challenge at Eden Park in Tāmaki Makaurau to mark the completion of the Spirit to Cure events.
In Aotearoa, over 25,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year. SunCorp started the Spirit to Cure initiative in partnership with Tour de Cure in Australia to raise funds for cancer research, medical support, and prevention to support those affected with the disease.
In 2022, the event was expanded to the New Zealand arm of the business. This year, the initiative was able to beat its goal, having raised over $340,000 for its chosen charity partners, including Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) and Cancer Research Trust New Zealand, which have partnered with the insurer for two years in a row.
LBC supports patients and their families through providing valuable information and funding research as well as in raising awareness and advocating on behalf of patients. Cancer Research Trust is New Zealand’s only national charity dedicated to funding research and professional development across all types of cancers and investing in research on prevention, early detection, better diagnosis, and new treatments as well as end-of-life care.
The Spirit to Cure events were held not only in Auckland but also across Aotearoa, Christchurch, and Wellington. Employees also had an opportunity to complete “K’s your way” in support of the fundraiser.
Jane Brewer (pictured above), executive general manager for consumer at Suncorp New Zealand, served as the driving force of the initiative. She said it was wonderful to see many teams from across the organisation get behind this cause and participate in the events.
“We’re feeling very grateful to have achieved our fundraising target and for the support of our sponsors. These include many of our brokers, advisers and strategic partners who have gotten involved in fundraising,” said Brewer.
“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, so we feel very proud to support the invaluable work these charities do to make a positive difference to so many lives.”
Have thoughts about this story? Leave your comments below.
