Skydive in the name of charity

The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society is on the hunt for people to jump out of a plane - in the name of charity.

Businesses and individuals from around the Bay have been called on to do a tandem skydive to raise money for the society.

Workplaces have also been encouraged to raise money to "toss the boss" earning their chief executive or senior manager a spot in the plane.

Teaming up with Skydive Taupo, the society's fundraising manager Catriona Findlay said 'Jump for cancer' was the first time the Waikato/Bay of Plenty division has offered a skydiving incentive for thrill seekers who also want to fundraise for the Cancer Society.

Fundraisers were required to raise a minimum of $800 in exchange for a 12,000 feet tandem skydive or $1,000 in exchange for a 15,000 feet tandem sky dive with one of Skydive Taupo's professional skydiving instructors.

"Obviously with the incentive of a free skydive this challenge will appeal to intrepid and adventurous fundraisers. We also suspect the "toss the boss" concept might gain some traction in workplaces whose staff, even jokingly, have ever entertained the thought - it's definitely team building with a difference," Ms Findlay said.

Alternatively, if a fundraiser has a loved one who has always wanted to skydive they can nominate them to take their place.

Sunday August 7 was earmarked for the mass jump in Taupo with August 14 planned as a rain day.

Ms Findlay said Jump for cancer has been scheduled during Daffodil Day awareness month, which culminated with Daffodil Day - the last Friday in August.

Daffodil Day was the Cancer Society of New Zealand's biggest fundraiser of the year.

"This is your chance to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in one of the world's most stunning drop zones while supporting an amazing cause; we're really thrilled Skydive Taupo has come on board for this."

For more information and to sign up go to www.everydayhero.co.nz/event/jumpforcancer