Whakatāne Mayor Victor Luca joined mayors across the country last Friday, to raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation.
Mayor Luca collected donations at New World Whakatāne, for the child cancer appeal.
He said any help mayors can provide, is worthwhile.
“I guess the idea from the Child Cancer Foundation's perspective, is that mayors are well known and I guess, if you get them to stand outside well-used areas that people might be inclined to donate.
Mayor Luca said it would be nice to live in a country where charity foundation appeals “would not be necessary”, if the health system was in working order, saying that he thinks “half of our health system is held up voluntary and charity organisations.”
“Voluntary and charity organisations kind of hold up the system to some extent
He said voluntary and charity organisations, need to be applauded for their great work but “if the system was working well, they wouldn't be needed, would they?”
People like the Hospice do great work and are “indispensable,” Mayor Luca said, “but it would be nice if they weren't necessary but they are.”
People can support Mayor Luca’s fundraising efforts by donating online at childcancer.org.nz/donate, or text their full name to 3457 to give $3 instantly, as often as you like.
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.