The Heart Foundation is calling on Kiwis to gift a couple of hours of their time next February to volunteer as a Big Heart Appeal street collector and raise funds for heart research.

The Big Heart Appeal is the foundation’s biggest fundraiser – and in 2025 is scheduled for Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22.

Heart Foundation medical director Dr Gerry Devlin said there are a million New Zealanders living with cardiovascular disease.

“It’s still the number-one killer, in New Zealand and globally,” said Devlin.

“Our work has never been more urgent,” said Devlin. “Funds raised help us to make a big difference, whether it is supporting research that results in improved treatments and medications or investing in overseas training for our young cardiologists so we can offer world-class care in NZ.”

“Outcomes for those affected by heart attacks and other heart conditions have greatly improved thanks to Heart Foundation-funded work, but there is still much to be done.”

Devlin said significant gaps remain in the research, diagnosis and care of women with heart disease.

“It is an area we are investing in on a national and international scale, and we hope this research will make a major impact on women’s cardiovascular health.”

Sign up to be a volunteer with the Big Heart Appeal street collection in February 2025 at https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/street-collection.

- SunLive