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For most people touched by cancer it is deeply personal.
That was certainly true for Hastings-based ANZ consultant Sukhdeep Singh, diagnosed with leukaemia five years ago.
"It was a month after my son was born, so I took parental leave instead of sick leave. I didn’t want to tell anybody why I was really taking time off,” says Sukhdeep.
But during his treatment, the Cancer Society offered Sukhdeep support, including counselling sessions, which he says changed his thinking.
"In Indian culture you don't tell people when you are going through tough times – not even your extended family," he says.
“But after doing the counselling I realised it is important to share what's happening, certainly with your family, but also with your co-workers and employer.”
Now fully recovered, Sukhdeep leads Daffodil Day fundraising efforts in the Hawkes Bay by shaving his head for the charity.
This year will be his fifth year in a row and he will be joined by branch manager Peter Gray for the “Brave the Shave” event at the Hastings branch on 4:30pm on Friday 28th. Last year Sukhdeep ended up with a Mowhawk.
"It's a big thing for me to help raise funds for the Cancer Society because they were there for me when I needed it and help so many people when they are going through a tough time."
"It's a big thing for me to help raise funds for the Cancer Society because they were there for me when I needed it."
ANZ consultant Sukhdeep Singh
Civic Recognition
The night before Sukhdeep shaves his head, he will be awarded a Hastings District Council Civic Honours Award, the first Punjabi Indian to do so.
The award recognises a decade of community work and volunteer fundraising, which has seen him help raise over $400,000 for six different non-profits groups.
"I almost cried,” he says when he found out he would be receiving the award.
“I felt really humbled because it's a huge privilege and I thought there are loads of other people more deserving than me."
In his role as the president of the Hawkes Bay Multicultural Association Sukhdeep has helped organised the annual International Cultures Day, and lead efforts to support ethnic communities in the area during the Covid-19 lockdown.
"I think helping people is in my blood,” says Sukhdeep.
“Back in India, my father set an example for me, always giving back to the community because, as he says, its the community that shapes our future and our kid's future."
"The biggest award for me is people come and saying to me “hey, thanks very much for helping us” That's an award for me every day.”
There are four easy ways to donate this Daffodil Day.
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anzcomau:newsroom/news/NZ-Community
"Helping people is in my blood" - Civic Award for Top ANZ Fundraiser
2020-08-10
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