This month the Child Cancer Foundation is once again inviting Kiwis to bring meaning and heart into their homes by supporting its annual tea towel fundraiser.

In its fourth year, the limited-edition tea towels have become a cherished tradition for many families – each design carrying deep symbolism that honours children diagnosed with cancer and those who had passed, said Child Cancer Foundation chief executive Monica Briggs.

The 2025 design celebrates the pōhutukawa flower – a beloved emblem of Kiwi Christmas and a powerful symbol of resilience, growing in some of Aotearoa’s harshest environments.

In te ao Māori, the pōhutukawa is also a symbol of remembrance, representing those who have journeyed on.

Briggs said this year’s design included 200 leaves for each child diagnosed with cancer in the past year and 23 flowers in memory of the children who had passed away.

“Every week, four families in New Zealand face the devastating news their child has cancer,” said Briggs.

“The pressure on families is enormous, and with referrals up for Child Cancer Foundation’s services this year, our support is needed more than ever.

The foundation’s 2025 tea towel design includes 200 leaves for each child diagnosed with cancer in the past year and 23 flowers in memory of children who’d passed. Photo / Supplied

“From petrol vouchers and counselling to respite care, holiday homes and peer connection, we provide a lifeline during their darkest days. None of this would be possible without the kindness and generosity of Kiwis who get behind our tea towel fundraiser and other fundraising efforts.”

Since launching in 2022, the tea towels had become a sell-out success, loved for their beauty, meaning and purpose. Briggs said 100% of proceeds go directly towards supporting children with cancer and their families – ensuring no Kiwi child faces cancer alone.

The Child Cancer Foundation is the only organisation in New Zealand providing personalised, one-to-one support for every child diagnosed with cancer and their family, Briggs said. With no direct government funding, it must raise $6.5 million each year to continue its vital work.

Right now, the charity is walking alongside more than 1500 families nationwide.

Tea towels can be purchased from 1pm, today, November 7, online at: childcancer.org.nz/shop.