Harcourts Cancer Society Ball raises over $200,000

A record amount of money has been raised at the annual Cancer Society Ball in Christchurch. The glitzy event, attended by many of the city’s elite, was held at Horncastle Arena on Saturday. A total of $208,000 was raised, $38,000 more than last year.

Organiser Margaret Morgan said it was important to deliver record results each year for such a worthy cause.

The money would go towards sustaining services for people undergoing cancer treatment, including accommodation for out-of-town patients and driving assistance to and from hospital appointments, Morgan said.

Funds were also allocated to cancer research and prevention education in schools and the wider community. The event, hosted by comedian Ben Hurley, included a 30-dancer live performance, music and a three-course meal created by local chefs.

Cancer Society Chief Exe

cutive Elizabeth Chesterman said the ball was “invaluable for the Cancer Society”