Shardlows Kraft Bags Become “Bags of Hope” for Cancer Patients
A simple kraft paper bag has been transformed into something much more meaningful through the creativity and compassion of local school students.
Shardlows Packaging is proud to supply the sturdy kraft bags used in the Bags of Hope programme, a joint initiative between Cancer Society Southern and the Taieri Altrusa Club.
The bags are decorated with colourful artwork and encouraging messages before being given to patients receiving cancer treatment at Dunedin Hospital’s Oncology Department.
Local students create hundreds of Bags of Hope
Throughout the school term, Year 7 and 8 students from 20 schools across the region took part in the project, including pupils from 12 Dunedin and Coastal Otago schools.
As part of their learning about health, kindness and giving, the students decorated between 400 and 500 large Shardlows kraft bags.
Each bag was turned into an individual piece of artwork, featuring bright designs, thoughtful words and messages of support for the person who would eventually receive it.
The project gave students a practical way to show care for people in their community while learning how even a small gesture can make a meaningful difference.
A practical bag with an important purpose
Patients use the bags to hold their clothes and personal belongings while receiving treatment. They can then keep the bags and bring them back for future appointments.
While the bags serve a practical purpose, their colourful designs and messages of encouragement also provide an emotional lift during what can be a difficult and stressful time.
Cancer Society Southern Coast Otago community manager Suz Russell said patients loved receiving the decorated bags.
The artwork and messages from the children help brighten their day and remind them that people throughout the community are thinking of them.
Bags of Hope exhibition celebrates students’ work
More than 200 of the decorated bags were selected for a special public exhibition at Dunedin’s Golden Centre.
The display provided an opportunity for the students, their families and the wider community to see the extraordinary effort that had gone into the project.
It also helped raise funds to support the Bags of Hope programme and the Cancer Society’s ongoing work within the community.
Bags of Hope joint project co-ordinators Jennifer Clarke and Karon Read, from the Taieri Altrusa Club, were delighted with the quality and creativity of the students’ work.
Taieri Altrusa also raised funds to help cover the cost of the bags, ensuring the programme could continue supporting patients receiving treatment.
More than just a kraft bag
At Shardlows Packaging, we understand that packaging often serves a greater purpose than simply carrying or protecting an item.
Through the Bags of Hope programme, an everyday kraft bag becomes a source of encouragement, comfort and connection.
We are honoured that Shardlows kraft bags could play a small part in this valuable community initiative and help deliver messages of hope to people undergoing cancer treatment.
We congratulate all the students, teachers, organisers and supporters who contributed their time, creativity and care to the project.
Special recognition goes to Cancer Society Southern, the Taieri Altrusa Club and Bags of Hope joint co-ordinators Jennifer Clarke and Karon Read for bringing the programme together.
Shardlows Kraft Paper Bags
Shardlows Packaging supplies a wide selection of kraft paper carry bags for retailers, hospitality businesses, community organisations, events and fundraising projects.
Kraft paper bags provide a strong and practical packaging solution while also offering an ideal surface for printing, branding, decorating or personalising.
As the Bags of Hope project demonstrates, sometimes a simple bag can carry much more than its contents—it can carry creativity, kindness and hope.