Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is urgently seeking people in the Otago region to volunteer for its Pink Ribbon Street Appeal this October.

Around 10,000 Pink Ribbon volunteers across the country will take to the streets on 29 and 30 October to collect donations for breast cancer research, education and patient support. 

But the appeal may be at risk of cancellation in some areas unless volunteer area coordinators are found to oversee local collection sites. Additional volunteer collectors are also needed.

Area coordinators manage a small team of collectors and are supplied with all materials required to look after their local sites. Anyone interested in being an area coordinator can sign up here.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Kiwi women. Each year, around 235 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the Southern District Health Board area and every year around 45 will die from it.

Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, says “as a charity that receives no government funding, we rely entirely on the generosity of New Zealanders to keep our vital work going. 

“But once again, the uncertainty caused by Covid-19 lockdowns has dealt a crushing blow to our fundraising efforts. And without more volunteers in Otago, we can’t run our street appeal here.”

“By giving up a few hours you’ll be making a huge difference in the fight against breast cancer. The money raised will help to save lives through cutting-edge research, the promotion of early detection and supporting patients through their treatment and recovery.”

Ngaire Barrett, from Arrowtown, is collecting for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal this year. 

She says volunteers “because my mother-in-law and two of my step daughters have been through breast cancer. My step daughters are both well now and getting on with their lives, thankfully. 

“It has been an insidious disease for our family and I feel that this is one small way I can help.”

To volunteer for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, please visit pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz, email [email protected] or phone 0508 105 105.