The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s annual
fundraising campaign ‘Breathe Better September’ will
kick off in a few weeks, and the Foundation is calling on
Kiwis to challenge themselves to at least 16 minutes of lung
exercise a day – in reference to the 1 in 6 New Zealanders
living with respiratory illnesses.
Chief Executive
Letitia Harding says everyone one in New Zealand knows
someone with a respiratory condition like asthma or chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “We all have someone
in our lives who struggles with breathing from time to time.
It is really scary to experience and to watch someone you
love going through that. Our mission as a Foundation is to
improve the lives of these people through research,
education and advocacy.”
She points out that as the
Foundation receives no Government funding, ARFNZ’s work is
made possible by the ongoing generosity of supporters,
grants and sponsors. “We rely heavily on the Kiwis who
understand the seriousness of respiratory conditions and who
want to make a difference,” she says.
Kids aerobics
legend and Jump Jam creator Brett Fairweather is one of the
people making a difference in the 2022. “Brett has set up
Team Jump Jam and is inviting Kiwis to join him in some of
his all-time favourite workouts while raising money for the
Foundation. We are so thrilled to have Jump Jam on board for
Breathe Better September,” says Letitia.
ARFNZ is
encouraging everyone with a connection to respiratory
conditions to get involved. “This is your chance to step up
for yourself, or others in your life, and make a
difference,” says Letitia.
She emphasises that people
are welcome to choose a challenge that works for them. “If
you are someone with COPD and a daily walk of 10 minutes is
all you can manage, then that is a great challenge for you.
The options are endless: you can, walk run, dance, sing,
practice a wind instrument – anything that gets your lungs
working.”
Once a challenge is set, participants can
then rally support from friends and whānau. The Foundation
hopes to raise at least $20,000 to put towards its work for
the respiratory community.
For more on Breathe Better
September check out the website: breathebetterseptember.co.nz
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