The Z Club showing care and being positive!

Roncalli College’s Z Club are putting together ‘chemo goody bags’ for people having their first chemotherapy treatment at Timaru Hospital. The idea for the goody care bags came to the Z Club after they were inspired by someone close to them who had gone through chemotherapy and realising what a positive impact these goody bags could have for patients.

The Z Club would love your support of this initiative with the donation of the following in good condition to the College Office:

1. Coffee cups

2. An interesting novel or crossword/mind challenge books or colouring books and pencils.

3. Any other items you think would be nice to include.

A big thank you to Countdown for the donation of the bags. Thank you to the students from Bluestone Primary School for decorating the bags so beautifully. Kai pai!

We would also like to thank Lois Campbell (Mrs Bett's mum), Mrs Konings and Anita Durning (Mrs Cody's mum) for knitting the gloves that are to be included in the bags. If there is anyone else out there that would like to also knit some gloves, we would be very grateful. If you can help and would like a pattern, please email s.betts@roncalli.school.nz

A special thank you to Mary Strachan from Clarity Consulting Timaru, who has provided mentoring and support to help with this Z Club project.

Your help with donations for the chemo goody care bags will be gratefully received.

A Footnote from Sally Betts 

There certainly aren't many families that are not touched by Cancer in one way or another. One word you tend to hear a lot when you are traveling through the cancer journey is positive, keep positive, always try and be positive, this message needs to be put into action.

Chemo bags may be the only positive thing that some people who are doing treatment get in their day, and treatment day certainly needs a little positive. A snack, a warm pair of gloves to counteract the cold fluids and a simple message are just a few things that will put a smile on someone's face.

This is something that Brianna Grace and Ruby Dickson wanted to do just to spread a little positive, they have the support of Leola at the cancer society and also the Ladies at the oncology unit at Timaru hospital who will distribute the bags to patients. The idea is that on your first visit to the oncology unit for your first treatment you get a bag with a selection of gifts in it. Brianna and Ruby felt strongly about having something positive for patients on what can be a very scary and negative day. Hopefully the first lot of bags will be ready for distribution early in term 3. Thank you Z Club!