Why volunteer as a street collector?

Volunteering as a street collector in the Big Heart Appeal street collection is a fun and easy way to make a huge difference. 

You only need to gift two hours of your time on Friday 21 or Saturday 22 February 2025. Bring your biggest smile to raise life-saving funds for vital heart research. 

 

Sign up to volunteer

Get your workplace involved

Rally your team and colleagues to get involved and help save the lives of those we love!

There are loads of fun and engaging ways that your organisation can get involved. Whether it's a fundraising morning tea, red shirt day or team challenge - your efforts can ensure life-saving heart research is possible.

 

Register your workplace

Meet our volunteers

We have some incredible volunteers for the Big Heart Appeal street collection from all across New Zealand, many of whom have connections of their own to heart disease. This year we’re featuring some of these kind-hearted supporters to highlight that heart disease can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime - even someone you love. You can read their stories below. 

How family tragedy led to volunteering for change

 

After losing her father to a heart attack and later her husband to a sudden cardiac arrest, Annemarie became committed to raising awareness and funds to support heart research. 

 

Read Annemarie's story

Waiuku’s heart champion

 

Brian, an 80-year-old retired engineer living in Waiuku, has been a dedicated Heart Foundation volunteer and area coordinator for the past two years, inspired by his own journey with heart health.

 

Read Brian's story

From heart attack survivor to volunteer

 

Ken, a 76-year-old retiree from Paraparaumu Beach, has lived an active and successful life, keeping his body and mind engaged. However, at age 51, despite being fit and running marathons, Ken experienced a heart attack that changed his life.

 

Read Ken's story

A lifelong dedication to heart health

 

Margaret, a retired nurse from Reefton in the Buller area, has spent her life working in healthcare. She has witnessed firsthand the incredible advancements in heart research and volunteers every year for the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal. 

 

Read Margaret's story

Big hearts in Invercargill

 

Invercargill-based volunteer Sachira found purpose and community through the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal. Since joining as an area coordinator last year, he’s been inspired by the generosity and kindness of his community, spreading his own passion for giving back and encouraging others to do the same.

 

Read Sachira's story

From heart mum to heart volunteer

 

Christine, a North Canterbury resident and mother of Sarah, a "heart child" born with complex congenital heart conditions, has spent her life supporting heart health initiatives. 

 

Read Christine's story