Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan is among those getting behind this year's annual Pink Ribbon Street Appeal.

The appeal, which takes to the streets next week, aims to raise funds and support for breast cancer education and innovative projects by some of the country's top researchers.

It also aims to support patients and their families as they navigate their way through their own breast cancer journeys.

The team at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is delighted to have the backing of Tim, who encourages other locals to donate to the charity when they see collectors on the street on October 27 and 28.

“There would be very few people in Central Otago who haven’t been directly affected by breast cancer in their whānau, workplace or friendships," he said.

"The Breast Cancer Foundation does great work in early detection education, supporting those with breast cancer, research and medical grants and advocacy and I hope many people in Central feel able to get behind this appeal.”

The two day event will be supported by 10,000 volunteers, who will be on the streets all over New Zealand to raise vital funds.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner welcomes "everyone" in Central Otago to show some love for New Zealanders affected by breast cancer by donating to the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal.

“As a charity that doesn’t receive any government funding, it’s only thanks to the generosity of New Zealanders that we can carry out our life-saving work. Your donations will bring us closer to our vision of zero deaths from breast cancer.”

Every year, around 240 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the Southern region.

All of the money raised from the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal goes towards Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s work to advance breast cancer research, educate New Zealanders about the importance of early detection, and support patients through their treatment and recovery.

Donations can be made to the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal through volunteer collectors who will be out in force shaking pink buckets across the region on October 27 and 28 October, or donate to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ online.

To read more, check out Beth King's story.