About 20 volunteers carrying orange buckets took to Whanganui's streets on Tuesday to collect money for MS Wanganui.
This week is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, and collections are taking place up and down the country.
MS Wanganui president Veronica Kapaiwai said collectors canvassed the Whanganui CBD as well as the Aramoho shopping centre. There was also a sausage sizzle at Bunnings Whanganui.
Ms Kapaiwai said the collection was an annual event.
"We need to raise around $6000 a year to keep the organisation going. So we hope for about $2000 in our annual collection - anything over that is great," she said.
MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system. There is no known cause and symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, problems with balance and walking, numbness, impaired vision, mood changes, and more.
It is estimated that 2.5 million people throughout the world are living with MS.
MS Wanganui field worker Michelle Chapman-Cullen said the organisation assisted about 50 people living with the disease.
"Getting a diagnosis of MS can be very difficult for anyone. We help with support, advocacy, awareness and education.
"Any adult can get MS - and once you have it, you have it for life. There's no cause, and there's no cure," Ms Chapman-Cullen said.