Healthy choices at Turners to help charity
Staff at Turners Automotive Group will be making some healthier choices in March to help raise $100,000 for gut cancer research and awareness.
The company has teamed up with the Gut Cancer Foundation as part of the Give It Up for Gut Cancer campaign.
Hundreds of New Zealanders have already pledged to give up sugar, alcohol, or the sofa for the month of March, with the aim of fundraising to help researchers studying cancers of the digestive system.
Workers at Turners branches will join with colleagues at Oxford Finance, EC Credit Control, DPL Insurance and Autosure New Zealand to support the Give It Up campaign.
Turners has also agreed to match the first $20,000 raised by its employees.
Todd Hunter, pictured, chief executive officer, says: “To be able to support such an important cause and raise money for vital research is deeply gratifying for us.
“The fact that we can do so whilst engaging our teams in healthy activities and providing access to information that will help them live healthier lifestyles, and reduce their own risk of gut cancers, is hugely important.”
Gut cancers are the most common form of cancer in New Zealand and the latest Ministry of Health figures show 5,423 Kiwis were diagnosed with a cancer of the digestive system in 2018.
Liam Willis, the foundation’s executive officer, says there is a shortage of funds to support research and clinical trials for such conditions in New Zealand.
“Turners have been fantastic supporters of the foundation over the years and to have them on board for this campaign will make a huge difference to our goal of raising $100,000, and our commitment to delivering an everlasting impact and positive change for all New Zealanders affected by gut cancers,” he explains.
“Research has shown that obesity and excessive alcohol consumption are two factors which greatly increase the risk of developing certain gut cancers. Research also suggests regular exercise could help reduce the chances of developing these diseases.
“Asking New Zealanders to raise money for clinical research, whilst helping to reduce their own risks makes perfect sense.”
For more details about the foundation’s campaign, visit www.giveitup.nz.
