Showing heart by giving
The Heart Foundation is appealing for donations to continue its fight against heart disease, New Zealand’s biggest killer.
Throughout February, thousands of volunteers will be hitting the streets nationwide to raise funds for the Heart Foundation’s month-long Annual Appeal.
In Morrinsville and Te Aroha, the Heart Foundation is holding its street appeal on Friday February 17, so keep a lookout.
Heart Foundation Medical Director Gerry Devlin said this is the charity’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign of the year.
‘‘While we have seen a dramatic reduction in deaths from heart disease over the past 40 years, more than 6000 people die from heart disease every year in New Zealand.
‘‘That figure is almost 20 times the 2016 road toll,’’ he said.
There are currently 169,000 Kiwis living with heart disease
‘‘Clearly, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of bringing down such a high number of deaths each year.’’
While the Heart Foundation is committed to doing this, they still need the support and help of New Zealanders all around the country who can generously donate their time as volunteers.
Funds raised during the Heart Foundation’s annual appeal are used to support heart-related research and specialist training for cardiologists.
The Heart Foundation is New Zealand’s leading independent funder of heart research and operates nationally, with 19 regional branches.
Since 1970, the Heart Foundation has invested more than $57 million in research and specialist training.
‘‘We also offer a wide range of activities devoted to helping support people with heart disease, plus educational programmes and campaigns that promote heart-healthy living,’’ Devlin said.
‘‘We are asking Kiwis to give what they can to the cause, adding that every single dollar counts.’’
People can also make a donation to the Heart Foundation by calling 0800 830 100 or online at www.heartfoundation.org.nz/donate