We’re delighted to announce the 2015 recipient of the Dry July NZ Trust Grant Program. 

Waikato Regional Cancer Centre will use funds to install a sky ceiling in the centre’s linear accelerator room, purchase a uMagic massage chair for patients to use while waiting for treatment (pictured), and a PlayStation 4 system for the centre’s oncology lounge.

As an additional option to nominating a beneficiary at sign-up, in 2015, DJs were invited for the first time to fundraise for the Dry July NZ Trust, with money raised being allocated to the Grant Program. Over 450 DJs chose this option raising over $36,000. 

The Dry July NZ Trust assists cancer support organisations by providing funds to implement projects and programs aimed at improving the wellbeing of cancer patients, their families and carers. Examples of projects funded include entertainment systems, transportation to treatment, information resources, and improving waiting and treatment area facilities.

The Dry July NZ Trust will again be raising funds for the Grant Program in 2016 with applications beginning in September. For further information about the Grant Program in 2016 please contact us at [email protected] 

Southern Blood and Cancer Service will use funds raised by Dry July to create a more family friendly space in the whanau/family room for palliative patients, or for when there are large families caring for their loved ones. Furnishings to be purchased include couches (pull out for family to stay over), trestle table for family meals/celebrations, TV, installation of TV, painting of room, artworks, etc.

Funds will also go towards updating the patient waiting room in Oncology Haematology, by purchasing, for example, new comfortable seating, water filter, TV and electronic system to play either music or DVDs or treatment related information, new painting on the walls, artworks, or privacy screens.

UPDATE: The whanau / family room refurbishments have completed (see 'after' photos below) and hospital staff celebrated the opening of the new room for palliative care patients on 17 October 2016 to much fanfare.

The Cancer Centre is moving forward with plans to refurbish a number of areas using funds from Dry July. This includes waiting rooms, patient day rooms, and multi-purpose rooms. Upgrades will include providing new window coverings to seal in heat and for sun protection, improving privacy, more comfortable seating, computers for patient use, childrens play areas, and new televisions.

Work will commence in the next few months and we look forward to providing updates on these projects as the progress.

Canterbury District Health Board will use funds from Dry July to install photo murals for the oncology day ward, reception corridor and lower ground floor radiation department corridor in an effort to make these areas less clinical and more welcoming for patients.

The hospital has previously used funds for murals in the radiotherapy bunkers (including the above) which have been very well received.

Canterbury District Health Board has used Dry July funds towards improving the family area in the chemotherapy treatment ward at Grey Hospital. Purchased items include:

- La-z-boy chair for waiting family members 

- Coffee machine and pods

- Microwave oven

- Toys

- Newspaper subscription

- Display stand

- 4x iPad Air 2 tablets for patients and waiting family members

- 4x Panasonic headphones for iPads

- 4x Chambray covers for iPads