14-05-2025
Project hopes to aid women's health
Ovarian cancer detection dog K9MD Hogan at work in the laboratory. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Supporting important causes for women is a major focus for local women's service organisation Soroptimist International Dunedin.
Nationally, Soroptimist clubs in New Zealand are running a two-year awareness and fundraising project around the leading cause of gynaecological cancer deaths in the country, ovarian cancer.
The national project is titled "Heal the Teal" and has the goal of helping women to be diagnosed earlier, feel supported through their cancer journey, receive better treatments and fund research to find a cure.
Soroptimist International Dunedin president Adrienne Crawford said the local group had held several successful events in support of efforts to improve ovarian cancer detection and treatment.
They will continue those efforts by hosting a fundraising quiz night next Thursday, from 6pm at The Kensington Tavern, with all proceeds going to Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ and K9 Medical Detection NZ (K9MD).
"We are so fortunate to have K9MD in the Dunedin area, continuing to develop amazing cancer detection techniques," Ms Crawford said.
"They are now training dogs to sniff out ovarian cancer, which is very exciting."
Preparations were well under way for the fundraising event, with "fantastic support" from local businesses sponsoring raffle prizes.
"We invite everyone to come along and join us for a fun night in support of a very good cause," she said.
Ms Crawford said Soroptimist International was a global volunteer organisation that worked to help provide women and girls with access to education and training.
Projects also raised awareness on issues affecting women, such as domestic violence, gender equality and women's health.
Founded more than 100 years ago in the United States, the organisation has about 20 clubs throughout New Zealand, including in Dunedin.
Soroptimist International Dunedin was founded in 2020, and had a small membership of friendly women "passionate about making a difference in the lives of women and girls".
"We are looking to expand, so if you share our passion, do come and join us."
For more information, email sidunedin@ or visit
• For quiz night tickets, contact Cynthea on 022400-2959
