Canteen Aotearoa is the only national charity dedicated to supporting rangatahi aged 12-24 impacted by cancer, whether through their own diagnosis, cancer in their whānau, or grief and loss.
Canteen provides free, evidence-based psychosocial support services that focus on the long-term emotional and social wellbeing of rangatahi. These services include counselling, peer events, therapeutic programmes, camps, leadership skills, development grants, and career guidance.
Canteen Shop exists to help fund vital support for rangatahi impacted by cancer. Every bandanna or other product you buy from Canteen helps provide free counselling, peer support, and programmes that make sure no rangatahi faces cancer alone.
Cancer is challenging at any age, but for rangatahi, it can present unique difficulties as it disrupts critical developmental years. Challenges like isolation, emotional distress, and interrupted learning can make the transition into adulthood harder, often having long-lasting impacts.
Every purchase you make helps fund Canteen’s vital services to ensure rangatahi never have to face cancer alone.
Over 35 years ago, Canteen’s founding members chose the bandanna as a symbol of how deeply cancer affects rangatahi in Aotearoa. Since then, it’s become an iconic emblem of Canteen’s work and spirit - designed over the years by ambassadors, partners, and rangatahi themselves. The bandanna embodies who we are: a member-led organisation guided by the voices of rangatahi.
Each bandanna is made from 100% cotton, designed to last, and created to make a difference.
