It's a 'maybe” to nude dudes swimming but a 'definite yes” to Aotearoa 100ks in 30 Days.

Tauranga's Breast Cancer Support Service has a reputation for coming up with quirky fundraising ideas and is now adding a new one to the mix.

There's hope its fundraisers such as the Nude Dude Swim, Hot Pink Walk, and torch lit Papamoa Hills Night Walk will go ahead at a later date, but in the meantime it's full throttle ahead for Aotearoa 100ks in 30 Days.

Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust manager Helen Alice says the new campaign will involve encouraging people of all ages, genders and capabilities to sign up to cover 100ks during May.

The kilometres can be tackled on foot, on water, or wheels (bikes, wheelchairs, scooters), or a combination of the three.

The Trust hopes to raise $30,000 from the event, being staged at a time when fundraising is 'really tight” for the charity.

Due to Covid-19, the Trust had to abandon many of its events that involved bringing lots of people together last year.

But, Helen says there is plenty of excitement around the new campaign, modelled around a successful fundraiser launched in Ireland, also for breast cancer support.

'It allows people to get out and get active but doesn't involve people coming together in a large group as they can do this on their own, with family, or with their usual social group.

'And it fits with our recognition of gentle, regular exercise being so important for well-being – exercise has literally been a lifesaver for people recovering from breast cancer and it's really good for all of us.”

She is urging people to accept the challenge, sign up at www.100ksin30days.nz, pay the registration fee of $50, seek sponsorship, don the (supplied) pink t-shirt, get moving during May and share their activity on their social media platforms.

Sign up and sponsorship can get underway now, in April. Participation is not restricted to the Bay of Plenty and it's 'certainly not just a woman thing”.

'We're keen to see guys, families, people with dogs all getting involved too.”

Helen, and her breast cancer support team, say it's fitting that the event spans 30 days, as the Trust – which serves the Western BOP - has recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

'We average about 210 new referrals a year. We currently have about 900 women registered with us.”

The charitable trust provides emotional and a range of practical support, and works from the principle of survivors supporting those newly diagnosed.

See www.breastcancerbop.org.nz for more about the trust, which has been supporting the newly diagnosed for 30 years and has about 220 referrals each year.