New mum bins junk food for cause

Kiwis are being urged to ditch a favourite junk food for a month to help fight cancer.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand has come up with Junk Free June, a new fundraising campaign, thought to be the first of its kind in the world.

New Zealanders are encouraged to make a positive nutritional choice, by sacrificing a junk food or junk foods for the month of June, and having their friends and family donate money in support.

New mum Ruby Willis, 21, who had her first baby, Lincoln Willis, three months ago has taken on the junk free challenge and said fundraising for Cancer Society is a good motivation.

“I decided to do it because I thought it was a good opportunity to get back on track with my eating after having baby,” Willis said.

She said the first three days were the hardest and she misses KFC, however she enjoys discovering and trying out new recipes.

Having a three-month-old has made it difficult for Willis as sometimes healthier food takes too much time and it is easy for her to get takeaways.

Motivation comes from the fact that three family members have survived breast cancer.

“I think Junk Free June is an awesome idea encouraging a healthier lifestyle while raising funds and awareness of the Cancer Society,” Willis said.

Willis has raised $20 so far and hopes to reach $100 by the end of June for her efforts.

Junk Free June creative director Matt Clayton said the concept for Junk Free June was to focus on making healthy living fashionable.

“Our goal was to create a charity event that was not only beneficial to the participant’s health, but also really fun to be part of.

“I wanted to apply a crowdfunding model to the charity that rewarded participants with things that they actually want based on the amount of money which they raised.

“Prizes seemed like the most logical incentive to encourage people to fundraise,” Clayton said.

There are currently 5360 participants registered on the website as groups, pairs or singles.

The more money they raise, the bigger the potential prize from brands such as Huffer, I Love Ugly and Audi.

Participants who reach $25 get a Snap Fitness prize of $0 joining fee and pay no dues until July and participants who raise $2000 go into the draw to receive an Audi Track Experience.

To donate, participate or learn more visit www.junkfreejune.org.nz.