Researching your gift: Canterbury Medical Research Foundation

Ongoing medical research is critical the world over and now, more than ever, as scientists battle to find vaccines and cures for all manner of conditions, diseases and one particular pandemic.

Covid-19 and all its variants – Beta, Delta and Omicron – have shown how important medical research is, and how much it is needed.

At the forefront of such investigative study and analysis is the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation (CMRF). A non-profit organisation, its focus is investing in world-class research to achieve better health and well-being outcomes for people through the prevention, treatment and ultimately the cure of life threatening and debilitating conditions.

Earlier this year, CMRF awarded $865,000 to research topics such as Huntington’s Disease, tuberculosis, mental health, prostate and breast cancer. Record number of applications highlight the demand for health and medical research funding.

Foundation Director Melissa Haberfield says researchers rely on securing funding to undertake their projects. Supporting Canterbury-based health and medical research has been our mission for over 60 years. CMRF has proudly funded over $30 million in research projects, many of which have received global acknowledgement. Many of the researchers are eager to share the outcomes and breakthroughs of their projects and partner with CMRF to speak to community and service groups and at professional functions.

“It’s testament to the hard work of our team and the dedication of our loyal supporters that CMRF is able to continue to offer our full range of research grants despite the Covid-19 related limitations in fundraising activity. Our donors and members know that research has a critical and long term impact on the health and wellbeing of our people and often choose to support CMRF’s work because a family member or close friend is suffering from a condition which research hopes to improve or cure. We welcome all donations, especially over the festive season, if you are looking to invest in life as a Christmas gift this year.”

CMRF in brief

• Since its beginnings in 1960, CMRF has funded more than $30 million in research into conditions such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, bowel disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s.
• The foundation is reliant on the goodwill and financial support of generous individuals, trusts and businesses. This support during the last 60 years means the foundation is able to award research grants in the order of $1 million, annually.
• Currently more than 37 CMRF funded research projects are underway, which are producing important findings and interim results.

Donate at: www.cmrf.org.nz