The sun was shining and spirits were high as 24 teams took to the fairways for the 2025 Adastra Charity Golf Tournament, organised by the fantastic ladies at Soroptimist International – New Plymouth. Held at the New Plymouth Golf Club, the Ambrose-style tournament was held on a gloriously sunny day, and the event raised $15,000 on the day from team entries and a very successful auction. This money has been combined with an additional $5,000 from a previous event, meaning Soroptimist International – New Plymouth are donating a fantastic $20,000 to the Taranaki Health Foundation.
The funds will be used to purchase a specialised patient hoist to be used at the Taranaki Cancer Centre in Taranaki Base Hospital, as well as other vital items that will enhance the comfort and wellbeing of cancer patients during treatment.
Gaylene Phillips, who led the event's organisation, said the day was a true celebration of community spirit:
"It was fantastic to see so many teams take part and enjoy some healthy competition, all while supporting such an important cause. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us on the day and helped make it such a success.”
This year's tournament was a fantastic follow-up to the 2023 event, which, despite being rained out, still drew a great crowd and raised $15,000 to sponsor a chemotherapy isolation room at the Taranaki Cancer Centre. This means in total, Soroptimist International – New Plymouth have donated $35,000 to provide enhancements to cancer care in Taranaki.
They have chosen to support the Taranaki Cancer Centre as this aligns with Soroptimist International's mission to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. "Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer in New Zealand”, says Pauline Lockett, Soroptimist International – New Plymouth President. "We want more women to recognise the signs and get diagnosed earlier to greatly improve the treatment success rate.”
Grant Carter, Donor Relationship Manager at the Taranaki Health Foundation, expressed his appreciation for the tireless fundraising efforts:
"It's incredible to see such a significant amount raised by one group. The Soroptimist International – New Plymouth team has shown how powerful community-led fundraising can be. Their support is making a real difference to cancer care in Taranaki.”
The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Adastra for their sponsorship of the event, as well as all the businesses who sponsored holes, those who donated auction items, every team that played, and of course, to Soroptimist International – New Plymouth for their unwavering support of local healthcare.