"We are calling on big-hearted Kiwis all around New Zealand to volunteer a few hours of their time to help collect funds to support our vital research and work in the community," says Gerry.
"Last years' volunteers said being a street collector is a fun, fulfilling and a fabulous opportunity to make a difference and change lives."
He says funds raised during the Heart Foundation's annual appeal are used to support life-saving heart research and specialist training for cardiologists.
The Heart Foundation is New Zealand's leading independent funder of heart research. Since 1968, it has funded more than $74 million in research and specialist training.
"We also perform a wide range of activities to help support people living with heart disease and their families and provide educational programmes and campaigns that promote heart-healthy living."
Visit heartfoundation.org.nz or call 0800 BIG HEART (0800 244 432) to sign up for the Big Heart Appeal street collection.
You can make a donation by calling the Heart Foundation on 0800 830 100 or online.
Street collectors are needed to help on Friday February 21 and Saturday February 22.
Heart diseases - the facts:
Heart disease is New Zealand's single biggest killer, claiming the lives of more than 6300 New Zealanders every year – that's one person every 90 minutes.
More than 180,000 New Zealander's are currently living with heart disease.
The Heart Foundation funds cutting-edge research and specialist training for cardiologists, while its education and prevention programmes address heart disease head-on in the community.
The Heart Foundation is New Zealand's heart charity that is leading the fight against heart disease.
As a charity it relies heavily on the generosity of everyday Kiwis to support its life-saving work.