James Reid loves music and he loves the idea of dancing. So, the perfect way to raise funds for the five-year-old who suffers from spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hydrocephalus – or water on the brain – was a Zumba fundraiser event.

James Reid, 5, and his mother Sonja at the Zumba fundraiser. Photos by: Cameron Avery.

Hosted by Zumba Tauranga, the Zumba for James fundraiser at Arataki Community Centre today raised much needed funds for James.

James' mother Sonja hasn't danced for years since competing in Latin American and ballroom dancing. She's also represented New Zealand at the Youth Worlds in Germany.

But she's put her dancing shoes back on for her son and began classes at Zumba Tauranga last year.

'Now I've become a bit of a Zumba addict,” says Sonja. 'It's a great stress release. I didn't realise how much I needed it with everything going on with James, until I started the classes.”

People can also donate to James online at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/teamJames

Meanwhile, the Girl Guiding Association NZ encouraged girls and women of all ages to see what they're all about at the Bay of Plenty Regional Girl Guiding Fun Open Day.

The aim of the event was to raise funds for their 2016 jamboree in Christchurch. There was fun activities, a sausage sizzle, drinks and face painting at the open day at Moa Park. Plus, an opportunity to meet the Japanese Girl Scouts exchange visitors.

The Girl Guides are going around the Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Papamoa selling the iconic vanilla biscuits available in chocolate, plain, and mini.

To buy this year's Guide biscuits, see www.guidebiscuits.org.nz or facebook.com/GirlGuiding NZ.

Melanie Doraston, 11, Hannie Mastny, 10, Peppa Brady, 11 and Anya Wyeth, 11.

Janet Reekie with Rachel Loader, 8.