Casting for Recovery New Zealand Retreat

‘TO FISH IS TO HOPE’

Casting for Recovery (CFR) provides retreats at no cost to participants, which allow people whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer to gather in a beautiful, natural setting and learn to fly fish.

It offers participants an opportunity to experience the peace and solitude and the chance to be in the moment that fly fishing provides. The retreat also incorporates a range of other services to promote well-being. The 2.5 day retreat weekend is one of fun and support with the mission of our trained volunteers being that of empowerment and achievement to what ever level you are capable of.

Next retreat	February 18 – 20 2011, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Eligibility and selection	The Casting for Recovery retreat accommodates 14 participants who have or have had breast cancer. You need not ever have picked up a rod in your life and only need to get to the location in Rotorua. Once there, you will be outfitted with fly fishing gear from head to toe for use for the duration of the retreat. The selection of the 14 participants from all those applying is through a random lottery. The only condition is that you provide a medical certificate that confirms you are fit to participate.
Applying	Applications for the next retreat are now open. Fill in the application form (Note: This is a Word document). We welcome applications from all over New Zealand.
Organisor Sherrie Feickert wearing the CFR gear
Contact	Sherrie Feickert Executive Director, CFR New Zealand 13 Westlock Rd, Rotorua Phone/Fax: +64 7 348 6919 Mobile: 021 774 751 Email: sherrie@castingforrecovery.org.nz Facebook: Casting-For-Recovery-New-Zealand North Island Programme – sherrie@castingforrecovery.org.nz South Island Programme – due to commence 2012 On the web: CFR NZ: www.castingforrecovery.org.nz (you are here) CFR International: www. castingforrecovery.org
Staffing	Retreats are staffed by trained men and women volunteers. Our fly fishing instructors, medical and hospitality team are all here to make your weekend one of fun, empowerment and achievement.
Content	You will be immersed in the world of fly fishing, learning to cast, tie the basic knots and all about the bugs - what fish eat. On the last day of the retreat, you'll be in the water practicing catch and release fishing assisted by our CFR volunteers, whom are passionate fly fishing anglers with years of experience to share with you. Note that you are free to participate at whatever level you feel comfortable and are free to break from any activity.
Other services	In addition to your fly fishing experts, some of whom represent NZ on our National Fly Fishing team the Silver Flies, you will have a pampering session. This includes: Reiki Massage Styling and Makeovers Hair Piece refurbishment Prosthetic advice Compression garment fitting A resource table that includes lymphoedema advice.
Lodgings	We provide you with comfortable shared lodgings. In our gathering area you will find all day refreshments with seasonal fruit and snacks. Our CFR volunteers will be sharing meal times with you, taking care of your needs and sharing in your daily recollections.
Video	Watch a short video clip and listen to women talk about what the American programme of Casting for Recovery has meant for them and their families. See what is involved and hear how this progamme, made possible by many volunteers and sponsors, has had a profound effect on women recovering from breast cancer.
Sponsorship and support	As the program is non-profit and offered at no cost to the participants, CFR relies on the generosity of individual donors, foundation grants, companies and organizations. If there is any way you can help with loans or gifts of fishing gear, outdoor clothing, or any other good or services, please contact Sherrie at CFR.
Become a "River Helper"	Casting for Recovery relies on the generous donation of goods and services as well as the time and expertise of anglers. If you would like to be part of this fun and important programme please check that you are able to fulfill the requirements as laid down in the "job description"
Tie some flies	Next time you're at your fly-tying bench, how about tying a couple of extra flies to donate for use at the CFR retreat. (Barbless flies are preferred to facilitate catch and release.) CFR needs summer patterns for the Rotorua lake area especially the Waiteti, Ngongotaha, Awahou and Hamurana areas. All donations will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Please send flies to: Sherrie Feickert Executive Director, CFR New Zealand 13 Westlock Rd Rotorua
Lynda assists on the Hamurana Stream
Who'll be there	We are honoured to have the support of our very own NZ icons Jools and Lynda Topp.
Special offer to CFR alumni	Come fishing with a CFR Accredited Fly Gal Pal If you are a CFR alumni and plan to come to New Zealand, the women at CFR New Zealand offer to take you fishing and accommodate your needs. These are people who are passionate about fishing. If no-one is available at the time, or if you'd prefer a professional guide, they can assist you with a guide from the New Zealand Professional Fly Fishing Guides Association (NZPFGA).
Zero Limits	CFR globally practises compulsory catch and release and the education of humanely releasing trout with soft nets and barbless hooks. CFR also teaches the concept of leaving no footprint on our pristine waterways and so has been awarded the sustainable tourism tick of approval.
Endorsement for CFR NZ	"I heartily support Casting for Recovery as one of the best programs for breast cancer survivors that I know." Susan Love, MD Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
Message from John Key, PM	Trout Fishing and Recovery from Breast Cancer in New Zealand As a keen trout fisherman and the Minister of Tourism it is my great pleasure to encourage you to enjoy some of the best trout fishing in the world. Breast cancer affects a growing number of women and recovery from treatment can be a long and sometimes traumatic experience. It’s great to see organisations like Casting For Recovery running innovative programmes that help breast cancer sufferers get better while teaching them one of the world’s most relaxing and rewarding pastimes. New Zealand is world-renowned for our trout fishing. Our sparkling rivers and lakes, our healthy trout fisheries, and our fantastic scenery complement our warm Kiwi hospitality and the wide range of facilities available for our visitors. If ever there was a part of the world designed to help people recover from an illness – while making them feel at home – it must surely be in New Zealand. Best wishes and happy fishing! Hon John Key Prime Minister Minister of Tourism
International organisation	Casting for Recovery was founded in the USA in 1996 and has its headquarters in Manchester Vermont. See www.castingforrecovery.org for more details.
The Casting for Recovery team thank all those whom give up their time and expenses to assist these precious participants during their retreat weekend.