People across the Bay of Plenty are being encouraged to keep an eye out for pink buckets this week as volunteers take to the streets for the annual Pink Ribbon Street Appeal.

Around 500 volunteers will collect donations across the region on October 16 and October 17, raising money to support people affected by breast cancer and fund research, education and advocacy work.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ said that about 210 people in the Bay of Plenty were diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Funds raised through the appeal help support breast health education, research and clinical trials, specialist nursing services and efforts to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment.

Foundation chief executive Vanessa Sorenson said every donation, no matter the size, helped make a difference.

“Behind every pink bucket is a volunteer giving their time, and behind every donation is someone choosing to stand with New Zealanders affected by breast cancer.

“We know household budgets are under pressure, so we’re asking people to give what they can. When thousands of small donations come together, they help our nurses provide trusted information and support, take breast health education into communities, fund important research and push for changes to make earlier diagnosis and better treatments available.”

More than 3700 New Zealanders are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, while about 650 people will die from the disease.

Sorenson said those figures represented real people, families and communities.

“Behind these numbers are people who matter deeply to their whānau, friends and community, and we know more of those lives can be saved.”

As an independent charity, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ relies on donations and fundraising to fund its work.

Sorenson said the street appeal was a simple way for people to help create a future where more people with breast cancer could live well.

“If you see one of our wonderful volunteers on the streets of Bay of Plenty, please stop and make a donation. Even a small gift can make a difference. Together, they all add up and help us continue our vital work.”

People can donate to volunteer collectors on October 16 and 17, online at Pink Ribbon Appeal or by texting PINK to 2447 to make a $3 donation.