Tauranga Women's Refuge is looking for supporters to ‘step up' this November and December to help raise crucial funds to assist them in continuing the critical work they do in the Tauranga community.

The refuge will be holding the Step Up for Tauranga Women's Refuge Virtual Challenge and the public are invited to sign up on the website as an individual or a team of friends, family and/or colleagues.

"It is free to join and free to sign up a team. You can get active with your mates, challenge yourselves and compete against your fellow club members, neighbours or work buddies," says a Tauranga Women's Refuge spokesperson.

"In New Zealand there is an incident of domestic violence being investigated by the police every five minutes with around 24 adults and nine children being killed every year as a result of family violence.

"We support women and children in our local community to escape from situations of domestic abuse."

Tauranga Women's Refuge offers a crisis line, safe temporary residential housing, advice, counselling and community support.

"This [fundraiser event] is a chance to look after your own health and well-being, reconnect as a team, stay active and increase your productivity. Contribute to your team's kilometre total at home, a loop of Mauao, a lap of the garden or organise a lunch time run/walk with your team to up your distances."

The refuge says that "the beauty of the event is that you decide when and how you complete your challenge”.

'We need your help to support this kaupapa and your local community refuge, by joining our Step Up for Tauranga Women's Refuge event and helping us raise money for women and children using our locally based services," says Tauranga Women's Refuge grants and funding officer Andrea McKeown.

'Your support will ensure we are able to keep offering these services and supporting our local community, helping to make Tauranga Moana a safer place for families at risk."

The virtual fundraiser will run from November 10 to December 10.

Sign up here: https://twr.raiseit.co.nz