Easter is upon us and so is the close of this year's Mount Everest Challenge fundraiser for 2024.

Jolene and Max from The Breeze Tauranga 95.8FM are broadcasting live on site outside the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service this morning until 9am.

"We have a few treats up our sleeve this morning to celebrate the long weekend ahead and encourage donations toward our dedicated local Surf Lifesaving Clubs in the final days of the challenge," says Jolene James.

Max, right, and Jolene, left, from The Breeze are interviewing guests such as Buddy Mikaere, middle, live from outside the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford. 

The Mount Everest Challenge which launched on February 13 has run for 50 days, with individuals and groups climbing Mauao 38 times, which is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest once. 

Participants in the challenge have fundraised themselves with efforts this year focused on helping support local surf life saving clubs. 

This year, the 10th anniversary of the Mount Everest Challenge is raising funds for three deserving local charities Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club, Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service and Omanu Beach SLSC .

So far $37,973 has been raised, with 56 teams and 118 individual participants.

Jess Platen from The Breeze handing out chocolate Easter eggs to climbers on the last day of the Mount Everest Challenge. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford. 

The Breeze’s Jess Platen is giving away Easter treats  in the form of chocolatey goodness next to the live broadcast, thanks to Allan and the New World Mt Maunganui family.

The final group walk gathered at the club from 7am, departing at 7.15am for a community wide effort. 

There is also a pop-up op-shop on site, gathering small donations toward efforts.

To donate to the Mount Everest Challenge go to 

https://givealittle.co.nz/event/mount-everest-2024?