Media Design School brings gifts and joy to kids stuck inside over summer
Every day 8 children and adults in Aotearoa, New Zealand, are diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood condition.
In December 2022, Media Design School embraced the Christmas spirit by donating recycled computers to the team at Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) sprinkling a little holiday magic for the young blood cancer patients they support.
Tim Maifeleni, LBC Support Services Regional Manager, said the donations would be much appreciated by the kids and their families.
“Thank you, Media Design School for the gaming PCs, mice and keyboards that were donated to our awesome patients who love to game!” he said.
“Gaming is a great pastime, especially for kids that need to focus on recovery, or simply don’t have energy to do what they want.
“It’s also a great distraction from the challenges that face them in their real world, and inspiring for them to see their heroes succeed even when the odds are stacked against them.”
LBC is a national organisation dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and related blood conditions.
The cause of blood cancers is unknown and can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning. Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer and lymphoma one of the most common in adolescents and young adults.
Media Design School had recently decommissioned and refreshed their personal computers for staff and students, leaving potential e-waste. In the true ethos of the leading digital design school in Asia Pacific, with a guiding mission to ‘Be Good,’ the PCs were prime for recycling and reservicing.
“We couldn’t think of more worthy recipients than young kids all over New Zealand battling blood cancer and spending long periods of time in isolation” said Mike Hughes, Senior Marketing Manager, Media Design School.
One of the patients, Marcus, was the first to receive the gaming equipment and took part in a recent LBC in-house Battle Bus Fortnite Tournament.
He was elated.
"He is seriously over the moon!”, his mum said. “We only have one computer in the house, so he is pretty excited. It has been a tough week for Marcus but this just made it better. Thank you for the generosity!”
Several others enjoyed their early Christmas presents.
Ruth Cooper, Country Director, said Media Design School is proud to be a B Corporation that is guided by the mission to be accountable for making decisions that consider the long-term impacts on communities, employees, and the environment. This is a perfect example of a sustainability campaign that Media Design School intends to expand in 2023.
“We are exploring new ways to give back to our community and we’re very proud of our new relationship with LBC,” said Ruth.
“We will partner with organisations that would benefit from collaborating with our skills and knowledge in digital media and technology at Media Design School.”
Everyone at Media Design School wishes these children and their families an amazing 2023 and the strength to overcome their unique challenges. To get involved and support Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand click here.
Mona Lisa recently completed her blood cancer treatment and Alisha has been attending LBC’s Kids’ Clubs for siblings and those with parents or grandparents who have blood cancer. Both have been avid supporters of LBC’s Battle Bus Bonanzas and were grateful for the PCs.
Tyson, 10, has found it hard going through treatment and missing out spending time with mates. When he received his PC, his grin said it all. “Thank you so, so much, he is absolutely stoked!” said his mum.
Newly diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia), Xavier is an avid gamer and now a new owner of a PC. His firefighter Dad expressed his sincere appreciation, and his Mum said Xavier was grinning from ear to ear when he heard that he was going to receive it.
