Whakatāne Mayor Victor Luca is joining mayors across the country today to raise fund for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Dr Luca will be at Whakatāne New World from 9am to 11am on Friday to collect for the child cancer appeal.

So far, 14 mayors from Whangārei to Invercargill have signed up for the Miracle Makers: Mayoral Challenge for Childhood Cancer, where they will take over a fundraising site and compete to see who can raise the most money for Kiwi children with cancer and their families.

Even the big cities have jumped in, with both Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger rolling up their sleeves to collect donations.

Child Cancer Foundation chief executive Monica Briggs said the mayors’ involvement would make a huge difference in raising awareness and vital funds.

“Every week, three Kiwi families receive the devastating news that their child has cancer. It turns their world upside down overnight, and they suddenly find themselves in an unfamiliar medical world, facing months or even years of treatment.

“Child Cancer Foundation is here to make sure they don’t have to face that journey alone,” she said.

“Our mayors are showing that even the busiest leaders can take a moment to give back. We are so grateful for their time and support in helping to raise the funds we need to continue this work.”

Jim Boult, patron of Child Cancer Foundation and former Queenstown Lakes mayor, initiated the challenge out to mayors.

"This challenge started from my time as mayor, standing outside a supermarket with a collection bucket. It was a small effort, but people gave generously because they knew it was for a cause that truly matters. Now, I’m thrilled to see mayors across the country taking up the challenge to help Kiwi kids with cancer.

"I’ve been involved with Child Cancer Foundation for decades, but one conversation will stay with me forever—a 10-year-old girl, terminally ill, told my wife Karen she wasn’t afraid of dying, just of being forgotten. That’s why I do this. That’s why I asked these mayors to step up. So these brave children, and their families, know they are never alone."

The mayor who raises the most money will earn the title of 2025 Miracle Maker Mayor and will receive an official certificate from Child Cancer Foundation.

Child Cancer Foundation receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations to provide one-on-one emotional and practical support to families facing childhood cancer. From essential financial assistance to helping parents navigate the challenges of treatment, every dollar raised ensures these families don’t have to go through it alone.

New Zealanders can support their mayor’s fundraising efforts during the Child Cancer Foundation Street Appeal by donating to their mayor in person, online at childcancer.org.nz/donate (select your mayor), or text their full name to 3457 to give $3 instantly, as often as you like.