The Samoa Cancer Society (S.C.S.) is the recipient of a WST$10,000 donation from the A.N.Z. with the society's C.E.O. paying tribute to the bank for its unwavering support.

The non-profit organisation's C.E.O. Papali'i Su'a John Ryan praised the long-term relationship between the S.C.S. and the bank led by its Country Head Bernie Poort.

"This donation again reflects the long-term relationship between A.N.Z. and S.C.S.," he said. "Over the years, Bernie Poort and his team at A.N.Z. have showed an unwavering support for the work of S.C.S."

Papali'i also talked about the importance of meeting the ANZ Pacific Executive, Sarah Stubbings who was in Apia and got to hear of how the bank's partnership with the society was assisting those suffering from cancer. 

"This year it was also fantastic to have the ANZ regional manager, Sarah Stubbings, in Apia to be a part of this," Papali'i said. 

"We had to opportunity to share with Sarah how important this relationship with A.N.Z. is and how this partnership helps those suffering with cancer." 

Papali'i also talked about the non-profit organisation's expansion into mental health support for patients and families through its partnership with Soul Talk.

"We are still continuing to provide support for the cancer community in Samoa, and we are excited that we are able to expand our mental health support to more of our patients through our partnership with Soul Talk." 

Next month the S.C.S. will shift its focus to breast cancer awareness through its PinkTober events which the C.E.O. said will lead to them engaging with the community as well as long-term partners like the A.N.Z. 

"We also have PinkTober just around the corner and this comes with a particular focus on breast cancer. S.C.S will be engaging with our communities to highlight the importance of early detection and medical advice," Papali'i said. 

"We are also excited to have our partners from last year actively involved, A.N.Z. will be hosting the launch of PinkTober and Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B.) and Samoa International Finance Authority (S.I.F.A.) will be hosting our special PinkTober dinner."

The clock tower in town will also be turned pink by the A.N.Z. bank, according Papali'i, who then re-emphasised the importance of staying vigilant to the cause of helping cancer patients.

"These are great events that bookend our PinkTober outreach and highlight the importance of being vigilant in our community on the causes effects of all cancers and breast cancer in particular," he said.

Mr. Poort told the Samoa Observer that it was also great to have his A.N.Z. colleague Ms. Stubbings witness the presentation of the $10,000 donation.

"Samoa Cancer Society has always been close to our hearts at ANZ Samoa, and for over a decade now we have been providing financial support as well as doing our bit to continue to create awareness especially through PinkTober," he said. 

"This year again we will be lighting up the town clock with Pink Bows. Pinktober is not only about cancer awareness, its a month we encourage all women to get a mammogram.

"We celebrate with those who have fought and beaten this horrible disease, and we remember those loved ones we have tragically lost.

"Since 2018 [a total of] 165 women in Samoa have died due to breast cancer. Its heart breaking as we know early detection almost always guarantees a very high survival rate. 

"We are extremely proud of our connection to the Samoan Cancer Society and the great work they do in supporting patients and families as well as continuing to drive awareness."