The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ's largest annual fundraising campaign – Pink Ribbon Breakfast – that happens each May has been extended to June 17, due to a lack of registrations.

BCFNZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner says one-third fewer Pink Ribbon Breakfasts have been hosted this May, representing a drop in income of roughly $600,000.

The charity is desperate to make up the shortfall in order to ensure its services aren't impacted – and it's urging more Bay of Plenty residents to host their own Pink Ribbon Breakfast.

'In our third year of the pandemic, and with an under-resourced health system, breast cancer patients are really feeling the effects,” says Ah-Leen.

'Since Covid-19, demand on our support services has increased significantly. Our specialist breast care nurses, who provide free tailored advice to thousands of women, are stretched to the limit, with four times as many calls coming in to our 0800 support line,” says Ah-Leen.

'We'll always be there for patients, but if we can't meet our fundraising target, it will limit the impact we can have. So please, sign up to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to help make a difference for women going through breast cancer.”

A Pink Ribbon Breakfast is where Kiwis come together for good to raise vital funds for BCFNZ. Events can be hosted anywhere, at any time, and registrations close June 17.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for NZ women, with around 190 in the BOPDHB area diagnosed with it annually. Money raised from every breakfast goes to ground-breaking research, awareness and education programmes, and patient support services.

To register to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, see: www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz