People wanting to do their bit to help raise money for five-year-old James Reid will be able to do just that at the Maketu Fun Day today.

The money raised from today's event will go towards a life-changing operation for James who is unable to crawl or stand without support – and can only take assisted steps with great difficulty.

Don is taking the plunge for his son James today. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

He has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hydrocephalus – or a blockage to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

But his spasticity or high tone in his muscles could be relieved with the help of surgeon David Yngve. The family's new hero.

From 9.30am until 2pm

The surgery and post-operative rehab could cost the family about $150,000 – and they're reaching out to the community to help.

They've so far raised $12,000 via a Givealittle page and James' dad Don is planning to swim 12.3km from Motiti Island to Maketu today alongside some All Black and Chiefs rugby players including Nathan Harris, Tim Bond and Hika Reid, to help gather more funds.

The fun day at the Maketu Surf Club will include sausage sizzles, bouncy castles, face painting, a sports memorabilia auction, music and more.

To donate, or sponsor Don's swim, see www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/TeamJames or follow his Facebook page Team James - Whatever It Takes

Hear more about James' story here.

See what else is happening in and around Tauranga today below:

Saturday 31 January

Alcoholics Anonymous

Women's meeting at St Andrews, Dee St 10-11am. Children welcome.

Baypark Family Speedway

BOPSA Points Night – Three Quarter Midgets. www.bayparkspeedway.co.nz

Disabled Surfers Assn Have-A-Go Day

Feb 14 at Omanu Beach, Mt Maunganui 9.30am. Offering a chance for participants to try surfing in a safe & fun environment. No experience needed, just bring a towel, wetsuit or togs. Sign up at www.disabledsurfers.co.nz or FB. Dirk 021 707 984

Free Grasshopper Soccer Trial Day

Held Feb 7 - Fun, noncompetitive soccer games & training for 2-10year olds, ideal for beginners & more experienced players at Morland Fox Park, Greerton. 2-3yr olds 9-9.30am, 4-5yr olds 10-10.30am, 6-10yr olds 11-11.45am. Sausage sizzle, gold coin donation. Chris 543 2183 or grasshoppersoccer.co.nz

Greerton Hall Market

At 8am – 12noon. Crafts, plants, produce, bric-a-brac. Nancy/Merv 07 863 6697

Ha Derech/The Way Messianic Kehilat

Now at Hillier Centre, Bayfair Shabbat/Saturday 10am. A one new man community & welcome all seekers of the truth. 544 7424 or 021 0226 3515

Katikati Tramping Club

Rat's tooth - easy/moderate. 8.30am start. Tom 549 2860

Maketu Fun Day

Charity event run raising money for 5yr old James' life changing operation with James' father swimming from Motiti to Maketu. Chiefs players swimming & at the event. Maketu Surf Club 9.30am - 2pm. Leanne 021 738 275

Masonic Park Outdoor Movie Night

Titanic - starts 8.30pm, presented by the Phoenix. Bring the family & enjoy some good times under the stars watching for free.

Tauranga Farmers Market

Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am - 12pm. Fresh & artisian produced food. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz

The Power of Love

Afternoon mediation course. Learn through mediation & beneficial thinking to unlock potential for a loving heart & bring happiness & joy to ourselves & others. Cost $36, bookings essential. Feb 14 at Tga City Plunket Rooms, 471 Devonport Rd 12.45-4pm. www.meditateintauranga.org or 09 846 5829

Village Radio

Community radio broadcasting from Tauranga Historic Village 1368 kHz AM. Music of 1920's - 80's weekends 9am - 5pm, weekdays 10am - 5pm. Specialty programmes. www.villageradio.co.nz or 571 3710

Waikato BOP Open Athletics Meeting

Tauranga Domain all weather athletics track 3pm. Registered athletes $5, non registered athletes $10.