People from around Tauranga are doing the Mount Everest Challenge to raise money for the Tauranga SPCA.

The challenge encourages locals to climb Mauao 38 times in 50 days to raise money for charity.

This can be done as individuals or in teams.

This year, Tauranga SPCA was chosen as the charity is in urgent need of new facilities to better care for the animals.

These facilities include new kennels to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the animals in their care.

Jolene and Max from The Breeze Breakfast Show visit to the Tauranga SPCA. Photo / supplied

Jolene and Max from The Breeze Breakfast Show are doing a special live 12-hour broadcast from the bottom of Mauao to begin the annual Mount Everest Challenge fundraiser.

The pair are encouraging people to take part and help raise a pile of cash for the SPCA.

“It’s proven hugely popular over the years with more and more people participating,” one of the event organisers, Matt Hobbs, said.

Jolene and Max said the challenge creates a real sense of community, people start recognising other participants when they’re climbing, especially if they’re wearing the official souvenir T-shirt.

“We have people deciding to do the entire challenge in just one or two days, others who do the challenge several times over in the days.”

They said some people do it in fancy dress.

“We’ve been told by participants in the past that this has changed their life – maybe kickstarted a health or weight loss journey or helped them heal after a major event.

“Other people share stories with each other about how they’ve been affected by the year’s charity of the importance of the work they do. This all generates a send of community and comradery.”

Hobbs said when the event organisers heard about the challenges that the Tauranga [SPCA] Centre was facing.

“The passion we have here in the Bay for our animals, it all seemed to fall into place. It has been amazing to see the response already.”

As a community fundraiser, many local businesses have joined to support the cause, including Diffuse Screenprinting and Smiths Sports Shoes Tauranga which provided the Everest Challenge tees. Collab Realty, Zespri, Mount New World and MyRide Mount Maunganui have all played integral parts, Hobbs said.

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford.

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford joined Jolene and Max at 7am as they launched the broadcast.

“The goal is ambitious,” Rutherford said. “As both a local resident and MP, I’m impressed by how this community has come together.

“Tauranga’s rapid growth means our community facilities need to expand to meet increasing demands.

“While government and councils play their part in supporting animal welfare, initiatives like this show how community action can drive positive change.”

“The existing Tauranga SCPA site is pretty tired,” Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell said.

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell. Photo / Alex Cairns

“The better the facilities are, the better the welfare of the animals and that is super important to me.

“I’m an animal guy. We have a dog, Lulu, and a cat, Sir Richie McClaw, and would have so many more if my wife let me… but she says I have to put politics first. That’s alright, I’ll keep trying to convince her.

“The SPCA plays a crucial role in supporting our furry friends, getting them off the streets and finding them new homes. It’s pretty sad seeing all those lonely and hopeful faces.

“I always encourage people to donate to causes that support animals, be it the guide dogs, police dogs or in this case, the SPCA.

“I’d love to see more people come up the Mount with us and have it as a huge community event.

“So, get out there, get up the Mount and help out and these friendly furry friends will change your life.”

To participate solo or as a team, sign up through the GiveaLittle page here.

The challenge runs until April 4.

“Don’t feel you have to do it all yourself,” said Jolene and Max.

“We see so many teams taking part in the challenge each year to spread the load, and especially in local workplaces it really brings teams together. If you get 37 other people to join your team, you all only have to do one climb each”

The best way to donate is to text EVEREST to 3181 which is an instant $3 donation straight to the SPCA. Otherwise, a donation of any value can be made on the Givealittle page.

To follow along for updates visit the Mount Everest Challenge fundraiser Facebook page or its Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mounteverestchallenge/