Dozens of Tauranga locals support Pink Ribbon Appeal

Breast Cancer collector Andy Cameron at Pak n Save. 12 October 2018 Bay of Plenty Times Photograph by John Borren

Andy Cameron has been volunteering for the Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand on and off for the past 10 years.

He spent two hours outside Pak'n Save on Cameron Rd yesterday shaking a bucket to support the foundation's Pink Street Appeal.

Cameron got into volunteering as a member of the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise, which supports many local organisations.

But he also had a personal connection to the Breast Cancer Foundation as his aunt had died of breast cancer.

He said he wanted to support the foundation in new research to help those who were diagnosed with the disease.

"It's a small sacrifice for a really good cause."

Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand chief executive Evangelia Henderson said the funds raised went towards research into new targeted treatments, medical equipment for hospitals, life-saving awareness and education programmes, and support for people going through breast cancer.

About 200 people in the Bay of Plenty area were diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and around 45 die of breast cancer each year.

Dozens of people were volunteers locally and 9000 people volunteered across the country to help in the fight against the disease, Henderson said.

"Now we need Kiwis everywhere to drop a gold coin in the bucket – your gift helps us work towards our long-term vision of zero deaths from breast cancer."

Donations can also be made by texting PINK to 4499 to make a $3 donation.

About the foundation:

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is a not-for-profit organisation that depends on donations and fundraising for its work in breast cancer education and awareness, medical research and training grants, funding medical equipment, advocacy, and supporting women with breast cancer. The foundation's programmes are evidence-based, overseen by its medical advisory committee.