One of the Taranaki Health Foundation's longest-running partnerships is with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway - a local firm that provides business services, including accounting, HR and Marketing advice. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway are major supporters of the local community, with it forming part of their business strategy. "As an organisation, we are here to create enduring success. Not only for our clients and our team, but also for the community" says Managing Director Daimon Stewart. "Being active in the community is one of our three strategic pillars and is embedded in our business' purpose." They have provided the Taranaki Health Foundation with in-kind accounting advice and support for 10 years, as well as donating $25,000 to provide three new chemotherapy chairs for the Taranki Cancer Centre.
Baker Tilly Staples Rodway are true local heroes, not only supporting the Taranaki Health Foundation but making sure they support a wide range of local projects with in-kind services and financial donations. The organisations they support include TAFT, Taranaki RFU, YMCA and Taranaki Rescue Helicopter. They also support smaller projects, such as Rotokare Scenic Reserve, Bell Block Pool and many community sports clubs. Directors and staff are also encouraged to help out by volunteering their services for clubs or by taking up positions on boards to provide a governance service. All-in-all, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway provide $100,000+ of community support each year through giving or in-kind support.
Daimon Stewart and David Goodall strongly believe in local businesses supporting local causes.
Investing in local makes a difference
When asked about why they chose to support the Taranaki Health Foundation, Daimon Stewart said it was one of the easiest decisions they've ever made. "Everyone knows someone who has been on a cancer journey. Providing the funding for up-to-date chemotherapy chairs is just one way we can make it easier for patients and their families." This sentiment is supported by Baker Tilly Staple Rodway's Audit Director, David Goodall. "Healthcare is an underfunded sector. Whatever we can do to help alleviate that pressure at a local level, we will do"
The three chemotherapy chairs will be used for patients receiving chemotherapy treatments at the Taranaki Cancer Centre at Taranaki Base Hospital - due to be opened by the end of 2025. This stand-alone department will not only provide chemotherapy treatment but will also have a linear accelerator to provide local radiotherapy treatment. This will drastically reduce our region's reliance on Palmerston North and will mean patients will not have to travel extensively for treatment.
The Taranki Cancer Centre is a part of Project Maunga Stage 2 - a major development at Taranaki Base Hospital that also includes the New East Wing Building for ED, ICU and Maternity & Neonatal, as well as Te Puna Wai Kātea - a mental health rehabilitation facility.
"Healthcare is a service that we are all going to need at some point in our life." says David Goodall. "Investing in it at the local level is a fantastic way to support the community and we would encourage anyone to give what they can to the Taranaki Health Foundation".
If you or your business would like to be a local hero and support our local healthcare services, contact Grant Carter to discuss sponsorship opportunities. Or donate online at thf.org.nz/donate.