The Heart Foundation is offering Whanganui residents an opportunity to kick-start a happier 2018 by taking part in its Big Heart Appeal street collection next month.
Heart disease is New Zealand's single biggest killer, claiming the lives of more than 6000 New Zealanders every year – that's one person every 90 minutes.
MidCentral heart health advocate Sally Darragh said collectors will help stop New Zealanders dying prematurely of the disease and raise awareness in the process.
"We really need people to hit the streets of the Whanganui region to collect life-saving funds, while enjoying the opportunity to be out in their community doing good," she said.
"It is, however, sobering to think that during the short period of time that a volunteer will be out collecting donations, at least one New Zealander will have died of heart disease."
Heart Foundation Medical Director Gerry Devlin said that as a charity the foundation really needs the support of New Zealanders in their local communities so it can make more life-saving research into heart disease possible.
"We need many thousands of collectors nationwide to help us raise funds during our Big Heart Appeal. These funds will be used to support heart-related research and specialist training for cardiologists who work in our communities throughout New Zealand."
The Heart Foundation is New Zealand's leading independent funder of heart research. Since 1970, it has invested almost $60 million in research and specialist training.
"We also offer a wide range of activities devoted to helping support the 172,000 Kiwis currently living with heart disease, plus educational programmes and campaigns that promote heart-attack awareness and heart-healthy living," Mr Devlin said.
The street appeal with take place on Friday February 23 and Saturday February 24.
If you are able to help the Heart Foundation for a couple of hours on either day contact Sally on 06 358 7745 or sallyd@heartfoundation.org.nz