Look Good Feel Better on the Road and in Demand
Look Good Feel Better, a charity providing free “Feel Better” classes for people with cancer, is hitting the road again in its mobile shipping container at a time when demand for its service is increasing.
Last year the charity travelled more than 4000kms around the country as part of LGFB On the Move. This year’s container road trip will revolve around Look Good Feel Better’s education hub, the launch of its men’s programme, and capturing the stories of people living with cancer on film.
The two-month road trip starts in Whangarei on May 26 and 27, where the container will be located at the St John Ambulance station, before heading to Mount Maunganui and 10 other stops around the North Island.
LGFB General Manager Clare O’Higgins says in 2016 LGFB conducted almost 300 workshops around the country for over 3000 women – and this year it predicts it will do more than 310 classes.
“More and more New Zealanders continue to suffer the physical side effects of cancer treatment and Look Good Feel Better’s aim is to be there for them and help bring back a sense of normality and control during a time when diagnosis and treatment have taken over their lives.”
When the On the Move container is in Hamilton on June 30, Look Good Feel Better will launch its men’s programme which sees LGFB doing what they do best – only for men who are living with the physical effects of cancer.
“The men’s programme is something we have wanted to do for a long time and we’re looking forward to doing something for the guys,” she says.
As part of this year’s On the Move road trip a special film studio has been set up inside the container where past and present LGFB participants, and anyone affected by cancer, will be able to tell their stories.
The container is transported for free around the country and fitted out inside with the help of sponsors, including Mazda NZ, shipping container specialists Royal Wolf, transport company PBT, and Canon New Zealand.
O’Higgins says as a charity it relies on donations, and a project like On the Move would not be possible without the contribution of sponsors.
“To have the opportunity to go On The Move again is something special for Look Good Feel Better. It allows us to reach the communities and pop up around New Zealand to share the workshops and let people know about what we do for people living with cancer.”
O’Higgins says last year the container also helped raise the profile of the charity which was reflected in its hugely successful fundraising efforts through its annual Feel Better month appeal in July.
“Our aim is to provide enough local workshops so no participant has to travel more than 30 minutes to attend a session. Travel time might seem like a small thing but it significantly increases positivity and brings back their laughter and smiles.
“As a recent participant said to me: ‘Everything was amazing. The tutor, the volunteers, but the opportunity to connect with other women going through the same experience was incredible’. Going through cancer treatment can feel very isolating but meeting other amazing women and getting pampered sure brings a smile to all our participant’s face.”
